On Wednesday, the Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammed BS Jallow, informed lawmakers that the government is not contemplating the elimination of the D1,000 airport security fee imposed on departing and arriving passengers at Banjul International Airport, despite ongoing public grievances.
While addressing the National Assembly, Mr. Jallow stated that the administration currently has no plans to review the charge.
“At this point it is not considered,” he said, responding to a question about whether the government intended to scrap the fee in light of concerns raised by travelers.
Lawmakers also inquired of the vice president regarding the possibility of exempting individuals with disabilities from the payment. Mr. Jallow stated that the existing agreement regarding the fee does not include any such exemption.
“I wish to inform this August Assembly that under the current contract, there is no exemption for persons with disabilities,” he said. “However, consideration may be given when the current contract is to be reviewed.”
Mr. Jallow stated that the contract supporting the fee arrangement is anticipated to be effective for a minimum of two additional years.
“As far as I know, I think the contract has at least about two years to go,” he said.
He stated that any future discussions regarding exemptions would rely on the established classifications of individuals with disabilities. Although he did not clarify which standards would be applicable, he mentioned that current definitions are utilized by pertinent ministries and international organizations.
“I think there are already some standard classifications as far as persons with disabilities are concerned,” he said, adding that such definitions vary because “disabilities differ.”
