The director general of the Gambia Immigration Department has warned that alien 'almoudos' (child beggars) could face a possible deportation as a blitz on the growing menace of street begging.

In a dispatch sent to the Daily Observer, the department, which described the blitz as a national crusade, urged the public to desist from this obnoxious practice or face arrest and consequent possible deportation in the case of alien nationals.

It pointed out that the practice obstructs smooth flow of road traffic, besides the public repugnance it generates.

In the same statement, the department noted that it will not hesitate to deploy the full force of the law to try those found to be culpable.

The full text of the dispatch reads:

In accordance with the Immigration Information Policy, the Director General of Immigration hereby informs the general public and the lawful custodians of "Almoudos"  that street begging is becoming rampant and the Department is warning all and sundry that the act of street begging will no longer be accepted.

All responsible and concerned citizens are strictly warned to desist from street begging or risk arrest and possible deportation in case of alien nationals.

Therefore, the department is warning all street beggars in strongest terms to desist from such behaviour or risk facing the full force of the law. This acts obstructs the flow of traffic and risks the lives of others. The general public is henceforth warned to cooperate for the stability of our country. The cooperation of all stakeholders is highly solicited in this national crusade.