Public reacts to GID stance on illegal migration

As the debate on the thorny issue of illegal migration becomes more intensified with daily reports of boats capsizing here and there, The Gambia Immigration Department has vowed to curb the practice in The Gambia.

As the department is on the verge of introducing what it calls the Sea Horse Network System, a satellite surveillance system which is one of the most effective weapons in tracking illegal migrant boats, the Daily Observer, on Thursday, went around to sound people’s opinion on the issue.

Speaking to this reporter, Sulayman Jack of Comium described illegal migration as not the right way to Europe, adding that it is risky as many youths lose their lives in undertaking this dangerous journey through the seas. He described the system as a good move in curbing illegal migration. He urged the Immigration Department to extend the system to a larger coverage as it will help in overcoming the phenomenon. In search of greener pastures, he advised,  the youths should go by the legal way.

For his part, Amadou Tijan Barry, an IT administration assistant described the initiative as a good start as it will help to contain the menace. He advised the youths to desist from embarking on this adventure that has already left so many families in mourning. He called for more cooperation among countries in order to overcome the phenomenon. He therefore urged the youths to involve themselves in self-employment jobs as going to Europe is not the only option.

According to him, people are still under a state of shock following the capsize of a boat off Libyan shores, in which many Gambians lost their lives. In a similar vein, Mustapha Hammad, a senior lecturer and head of department at Jollof Tutors, vehemently deplored the fact that despite the great number of losses there are still some recalcitrant youths who think that the road to Europe is the only way out.

He urged the youths to desist from the act as people rarely succeed in reaching the European citadel. He called for people to be sensitized on the negative impacts of illegal migration. He commended the Gambian Immigration Department for coming up with such a system in curbing the phenomenon.

Ousman Kinteh, a taxi driver, also told our reporter that the risk attached to illegal migration cannot be over emphasised as thousands of young Africans continue to perish in the oceans. He revealed that he was once tempted by the idea of embarking onto illegal migration, and that during their journey, 120 people were on the boat but 2 died before they reached Morroco.  He urged the youths to stay at home and contribute to the development of the country.

He added his voice to the chorus of people thanking the Immigration Department for this laudable initiative.