GID distances itself from Gambian Passport seizure in Canada

The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has recently issued a statement in response to reports of “fraudulent passports from The Gambia” being seized by Canadian authorities. The GID clarifies that these passports were not issued by their official authorities.
According to the GID, they have taken note of a release by the Canada Border Services Agency on 14 April 2026, which reported the confiscation of five passports bearing identical photographs but different identities – a clear sign of fake documentation.
The GID emphasizes that any mention of “fraudulent passports from The Gambia” only refers to their supposed origin or appearance and should not be interpreted as evidence of the department producing them. They reaffirm that the GID is the only authorized body responsible for issuing Gambian passports and all official documents are produced through secure and reliable systems.
The statement concludes that the passports mentioned in the Canadian report were counterfeit copies and have no association with the GID’s official issuance. Additionally, the GID’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit has reached out to Canadian authorities to gather more information and assist in their investigations into cross-border document fraud.
The GID also reiterates its adherence to international standards, with its passport system complying with protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure the integrity of Gambian travel documents. They also pledge their continued cooperation with global law enforcement partners in the ongoing fight against document fraud and irregular migration.