Government Warn Against Fake Permit Cards, Urge Public to Use Official Unified Permit System

Authorities have issued a strong public advisory warning against the proliferation of counterfeit resident and work permit cards, urging all applicants to obtain their documents only through officially approved channels under the Unified Permit system.

The notice emphasizes that the only authorized issuers of permit cards are the official online platform — https://unifiedpermit.gov.sl — and designated Corporate Service Officers operating through the same system. Any permit obtained outside these channels is considered unauthorized and illegal.

According to the advisory, genuine Unified Permit cards are embedded with secure electronic chips that allow for wireless verification using official card readers carried by authorized officers during inspections. This feature, officials say, is a key security measure designed to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud.

“Only cards issued through our official platform are recorded in our system. If a biometric card cannot be verified during inspection, it will be deemed unauthorized and illegally produced,” the notice states.

Authorities further outlined distinct physical and technological features that differentiate original cards from fake ones. Authentic permit cards contain an embedded chip that supports secure data verification, while the cardholder’s image appears on a transparent window with an overprint — a feature that cannot be replicated by unauthorized printers.

In addition, original cards have engraved elements with a tactile finish, making them physically distinguishable by touch. The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on genuine cards also has a precise engraved texture, reinforcing their authenticity.

By contrast, counterfeit cards often display clear signs of forgery. Officials noted that on fake cards, the chip is merely printed and cannot be authenticated by card readers. The cardholder’s image is typically printed directly onto the transparent window, resulting in a darker and obscured appearance.

Furthermore, fake cards lack the engraved texture found on genuine permits, making them easier to detect during physical inspection. The absence of functional chips and proper engraving renders such documents invalid and illegal.

The advisory warns that individuals found in possession of fake permit cards risk facing legal consequences, including fines and other penalties under applicable laws.

“We assure you that we can distinguish our authentic cards from those issued illegally. Our cards are embedded with secure electronic chips and can be verified wirelessly using authorized ID readers,” the statement adds.

Members of the public are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of their documents, and avoid engaging unauthorized agents or intermediaries.
For further inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the relevant authorities via +232 30 300 011 / +232 77 309 255 or email [email protected].

The warning forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration control systems, enhance document security, and curb fraudulent practices associated with permit issuance in Sierra Leone.