By: Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly on Tuesday ratified the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention following a debate in which lawmakers raised concerns about its legal implications and compatibility with existing national legislation.
The motion was tabled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, seeking parliamentary approval for the treaty formally known as the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.
Presenting the motion, the minister said the convention would simplify the authentication of official documents intended for use abroad by replacing diplomatic and consular legalization procedures with a single certification known as an Apostille.
According to Njie, the current system often requires Gambians seeking educational opportunities, employment, migration or business engagements abroad to undergo multiple stages of document verification, resulting in delays and additional expenses.
He said ratification of the convention would facilitate international mobility, promote trade and investment, and align The Gambia with internationally accepted standards for document authentication.
During the debate, several lawmakers sought clarification on how the convention would be implemented within the existing legal framework.
National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum, Alhagie Mbowe, who seconded the motion, welcomed the treaty but questioned whether existing laws relating to foreign public documents, evidence and consular matters would need to be amended. He also sought clarification on the designation of the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Chambers as the authority responsible for issuing Apostilles.
The debate also featured procedural objections from some members, who argued that parliamentary standing orders governing motions had not been fully observed. Others maintained that the convention had been properly submitted and scheduled through the Assembly Business Committee.
Despite the concerns raised, a number of lawmakers expressed support for the treaty, citing the difficulties frequently encountered by Gambians abroad in authenticating official documents such as birth certificates, academic qualifications and other public records.
They argued that the convention would reduce administrative procedures, lower costs and enhance international recognition of Gambian public documents.
Following deliberations, lawmakers voted in favour of the motion, paving the way for The Gambia to join more than 120 countries that have adopted the Apostille system.
The ratification is expected to simplify the use of Gambian public documents abroad and strengthen the country’s legal and administrative cooperation with the international community.