Foreigners mainly West Africans are presently on mass exodus out of The Gambia in a bid to avoid the embarrassment of deportation following the increment on alien taxes in the 2003 fiscal year.

The West African nationals involved are mainly Ghanaians, Guineans, Senegalese, Nigerians, Liberians and Sierra Leoneans.

Most of the foreigners who spoke to the Observer said they are leaving following the new tax increment on alien taxes which is way beyond their means adding that even the old tax rate was difficult to pay let alone the new tax increment which gives them no choice but to leave for their respective countries.

Those with some optimism appealed to President Jammeh to revisit the 2003 Budget as it will not only affect foreigners but also Gambians alike.

"Foreigners are contributing greatly to The Gambia's development in different aspects and therefore they should not be discouraged to leave," said one Abdoulie Jalloh.

A Nigerian teacher said, "some people thought we are making lots of money which is not true. The Gambia is no longer a 'Smiling Coast' for foreigners.

According to a Sierra Leonean, some of his compatriots are presently embarking on repatriation registration to enable them return home.