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The Government of Sierra Leone has officially opened the North East Regional Passport and Unified Permit Centre in Makeni, a move aimed at decentralizing immigration services and bringing passport and resident permit processing closer to citizens and foreign residents outside Freetown.
The new centre is expected to reduce the time, cost, and logistical burden associated with travelling to the capital for routine immigration services. Government officials say the facility will shorten processing times and make passport applications and permit renewals more accessible to people across the North East Region.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decentralizing public services, stating that the Makeni centre demonstrates that commitment in practical terms.
Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio, described the opening as a major step toward inclusive and efficient service delivery, noting that regionalizing immigration services will improve responsiveness and convenience for applicants.
Constrat Systems, the technology partner behind the Unified Permit System, highlighted the role of the new digital platform in streamlining resident permit processing for foreign nationals. Officials noted that the system will standardize procedures, reduce manual errors, and speed up approvals, contributing to more efficient and consistent service delivery across the region.
Residents and civil society groups in the North East welcomed the development, describing it as a historic milestone that will ease the burden on applicants who previously faced long journeys and high travel costs to access immigration services in Freetown. Local leaders said the centre would strengthen public administration and improve citizens’ interaction with government services.
The facility will handle passport applications and resident permit processing locally. Authorities say applicants are expected to experience shorter wait times and lower travel expenses. Officials also emphasized that the centre will operate under national immigration standards while providing services tailored to regional needs.
Government representatives further indicated that the Makeni centre forms part of a broader national effort to decentralize essential services and improve public sector efficiency. They added that similar initiatives could be introduced in other regions as part of ongoing efforts to make government services more accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs.
