The Senegalese government has taken a significant step in improving the process of issuing passports to Senegalese abroad whose host countries do not have production centers or diplomatic bags.
In eight months, missions have been deployed in 31 countries compared to 17 in 2023, announced Amadou Chérif Diouf, Secretary of State for Senegalese Abroad.
In a recent statement, Mr. Diouf revealed that more than 5,000 passports were produced over the period indicated for compatriots living on four continents, namely Africa, Europe, Asia and America. This is a clear increase compared to the 3,500 passports issued throughout 2023.
Beyond the passport issuance missions, thanks to the support of the Ministry of the Interior, nearly 14,000 stubs were sent to Spain where demand was high.
“The issuance of passports should never be a problem in a serious country,” argued Amadou Chérif Diouf. According to him, discussions are underway to increase the number of pages in passports or even extend their validity period.
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, celebrated on December 18 each year, the Secretary of State addressed the issues related to irregular migration, a recurring problem in Senegal.
“Migration must become a choice, and not an obligation,” he said, not without adding that the government of Senegal is working to create conditions favorable to the development of young people.
According to him, this requires an environment conducive to employment and local development, within the framework of the orientations of Vision 2050.
In addition, Mr. Diouf insisted on the importance of promoting safe, orderly and regular migration routes.
He affirmed that the systemic transformation underway in Senegal will allow citizens to choose these paths, far from mortal risks.
