The president of the Gambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Muhammed M Jagana has excoriated the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) for being heavy handed with foreigners.

He wrote on Facebook: “Over the years I have noticed that Gambia Immigration Department has been extremely aggressive on foreigners in this country (especially) our dear brothers and sisters from the ECOWAS region.”

Mr Jagana continued: “From the ferry crossing, across Denton Bridge, all over town you will notice an army of Immigration officers chasing, running down and hunting non Gambians (and those Gambians that look foreign) asking for Alien Cards or Residential Permits.

“One is wondering how much are these foreigners contributing to our productive economy vs how much are they a cost/burden to our economy. Also, how much revenue is going to the Government of The Gambia coffers vs Officers who would pocket few Dalasi and let the culprits off the hook, only to be arrested/picked up by another crew.”

The GCC president appealed to the GID to treat all humans in the country with some sense of decency and stop hunting down aliens as if they are criminals.