Gambia Central Bank Orders Commercial Banks to Dismiss Non‑Gambian Employees
Central Bank of The Gambia issued a letter on 19 September 2026 directing all commercial banks to phase out non‑citizen staff not on approved expatriate quotas by year‑end.
In Brief
- •Central Bank of The Gambia issued a letter on 19 September 2026 directing all commercial banks to phase out non‑citizen staff not on approved expatriate quotas by year‑end.
- •The directive applies to banks including Nigerian subsidiaries such as First Bank, Zenith, Access, Eco, and Guaranty Trust Bank.
- •Banks must replace dismissed non‑Gambians with qualified Gambian staff, establish succession plans, and maintain smooth operations.
- •The order follows an August meeting and a recent industry study that found many foreign workers employed in Gambian banks, allegedly violating the Labour Act 2023 and Guideline 9 on expatriate staff.
- •The Central Bank emphasized strict compliance with national laws and its own guidelines.
Why It Matters
The directive seeks to enforce The Gambia’s Labour Act 2023 and Guideline 9, which set limits on expatriate employment in the banking sector. By mandating the dismissal of non‑Gambian staff and replacement with local workers, the Central Bank aims to strengthen the domestic workforce and ensure banks operate within legal quotas. The move could reshape employment practices in Gambian banks and signal a broader push for local talent development.
Key Details
- Letter Date
- 19 September 2026
- Deadline for Compliance
- End of 2026
- Targeted Banks
- All commercial banks, including Nigerian subsidiaries (First Bank, Zenith, Access, Eco, Guaranty Trust Bank)
- Directive
- Dismiss non‑citizens not on approved expatriate quotas
- Replacement Requirement
- Qualified Gambian staff
- Regulator
- Central Bank of The Gambia
Context & Background
The Gambia’s Labour Act 2023 and Guideline 9 establish quotas for expatriate staff in the banking sector; the Central Bank’s order seeks to enforce these provisions.
Original Reporting & Sources
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