Citizenship
Being Born in the Gambia is not enough to make one a citizen of the Gambia.
In the Gambia, the rules governing citizenship are provided for in the constitution of the Gambia and the Nationality and Citizenship Act respectively. With specific reference to the 1997 Constitution and The Nationality and Citizenship Act, in particular section 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the constitution, acquisition of citizenship of the Gambia can be mainly by Birth, Descent, and Declaration. For more information on citizenship please refer to resource Colum.
Naturalization
The 1997 Constitution provides that ‘’ any person who has been ordinarily resident in the Gambia for a continuous period of not less than 15 years and who satisfies the conditions set out in subsection 2 may apply, in such manner as may be prescribed by or an Act of the national assembly, to be naturalize as citizen of The Gambia’’.
Registration
The 1997 Constitution equally provides that ‘’ any person who-
(a) Is married to a citizen of The Gambia and, since the marriage, has been ordinarily resident in The Gambia for a period of not less than seven years ; or
(b) Has been married to another person who was, during the subsistence of the marriage a citizen of The Gambia and, since the end of the marriage (whether by annulment, divorce or death), has been ordinarily resident in the Gambia for a period of not less than seven years, shall be entitled, upon making application in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act of the National Assembly, to be registered as a citizen of The Gambia’’.
Naturalization And Registration Processes
Persons wishing to naturalize or register as a citizen of The Gambia shall apply to the Director General of Immigration and fulfill the following requirements:
1. Copies of resident permits and alien cards to be produce for verification and evidence based proof;
2. The 19 questions form shall be completed by two responsible Gambian nationals who can vouch for the applicant’s good character.
3. A form known as the FORM 20 shall be filled and return;
4. A written account of the applicant’s ‘’LIFE HISTORY’’ shall be provided;
5. 4 Passport size photographs;
6. Marriage certificates where applicable;
7. Birth certificates of spouse and children of the applicants;
8. Certificate of character issued by the Inspector General of Police;
9. Registration certificates of business (s) owned by applicant;