Cadet Inspector Lamin K. Manneh, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has appealed to Gambians 18 years and above to obtain the new Biometric Identity Cards.

He observed that for the past two months, there has been a low rate of ID card applicants and not many Gambians have the new biometric ID cards. PRO Manneh made this appeal as he   walked into the Observer offices yesterday afternoon. "Having the biometric ID card doesn't only mean you have an ID but it contributes to your personal security; it also helps in controlling the movement of people from place to place and more importantly document security," he remarked.

He continued: "It was due to the conditions attached that one must have the new biometric ID before getting a drivers licence, that many people applied in their large numbers from January to March, but soon after the month of March, the number of applicants began to drop. "Other nationalities except those who are exempted need to come and regularise their status by obtaining their residential permits that will allow them to reside in the country. If they fail to do so, they will be categorised as illegal immigrants. The registration of aliens also applies to non-Gambians. Landlords, property agents, lodge owners are advised not to allow anyone to reside within their premises without regulating their status with the Immigration department."

He finally appealed to village alkalos and district chiefs to support the GID in safeguarding our national document and in the control of the movement of people within and outside the country, all geared towards making The Gambia a peaceful and tolerant nation.