President Adama Barrow has encouraged Gambians living in Saudi Arabia to remain united and consider returning home to contribute to the country’s development, while assuring them that concerns affecting the diaspora will be addressed.

Barrow made the call during a meeting with members of the Gambian community in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attended by Gambian students, professionals and community leaders.

During the engagement, community members raised issues relating to passport services and the permits required to facilitate travel to Makkah during the Hajj period.

Responding to the concerns, President Barrow said the issues had been noted and highlighted a number of opportunities now available in The Gambia, including the establishment of universities, the creation of student trust funds to help finance higher education and the expansion of the national school feeding programme.

He said government funding for the school feeding programme has increased from D30 million to D250 million, describing it as part of broader efforts to improve education and social welfare.

The President urged Gambians abroad to remain united and use their skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to national development.

Counsellor General Ebou Ndure also addressed the gathering, urging members of the Gambian community to continue representing their country positively while respecting the laws of Saudi Arabia.

He assured them that appropriate diplomatic channels would be used to address the issues they raised.

Gambia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mambury Njie, commended the Gambian community for maintaining good conduct in the Kingdom and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting their welfare and addressing their concerns.

By Adama Makasuba