The First Lady of Sierra Leone Madam Fatima Maada Bio has thanked President Adama Barrow for exempting Sierra Leoneans from carrying alien cards in The Gambia. 

Madam Bio met President Barrow on Tuesday (June 7) at the State House in Banjul, where the two had a tête-à-tête on issues of concern to the Sierra Leonean community in The Gambia.

Madam Bio said she discussed with President Barrow the concerns of Sierra Leonean students in The Gambia paying higher tuition fees than international students in Gambian educational institutions. 

She said most of these students have lived in The Gambia for years and now consider it as home. 

Madam Bio highlighted the historical ties between The Gambia and Sierra Leone, noting that many Gambians have benefitted from similar largesse at Fourah Bay College.

She said President Barrow welcomed her plea, saying that issue has already been brought up in a Cabinet meeting.