Immigration to Block Unauthorized Travel by Public Officials

The directive forms part of sweeping new measures introduced by the government under President Adama Barrow, ordering the immediate suspension of all non-statutory official travel across the public service.

According to the Office of the President, the move is a response to mounting global economic pressures linked to ongoing tensions involving United States, Israel, and Iran. These developments, officials say, have disrupted supply chains and increased pressure on national resources.

Under the directive, only essential and statutory travel will be permitted, and strictly subject to prior approval from the presidency. Senior officials, including Permanent Secretaries and heads of institutions, have been tasked with ensuring that any travel requests are fully justified and limited to critical personnel.

The Gambia Immigration Department has been mandated to enforce the order by blocking any unauthorized official travel at all exit points, signaling a strict enforcement approach.

Authorities have warned that any breach of the directive will be treated as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary action, as the government pushes for tighter control over public spending amid global uncertainty.