A German deportation flight with a group of Gambian migrants is expected to land at the Banjul International Airport today sparking concerns among families with relatives in Germany.

Yahya Sonko, spokesman of the Gambia Refugee Association in Europe, said his association has been contacted by Gambians held at the deportation prison in Germany to confirm that they are set to depart today January 27 and estimated time to arrive at the Banjul International Airport at 4pm GMT.

‘’As an Association, we can confirm receiving calls from Gambian detainees at the deportation prison. They confirmed that they will be deported today 11am German time and will arrive in Gambia at 4pm. 

“Two families have also contacted me from the Gambia, confirming to have received calls from their loved ones who told them they will be deported today,” he said.

Mr Sonko said he had tried reaching out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments regarding the matter but got no response so far, adding he had also tried reaching the Gambia Immigration Department to confirm if a landing permit has been issued.

“But all efforts to get the authorities to talk continue to prove futile,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba