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The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has launched an investigation into allegations of irregular overseas recruitment involving Malador Travel Agency, after reports emerged that 28 Sierra Leoneans were sent to Qatar without verified employment documentation.
According to an official notice issued by the Ministry, the matter came to light through information received from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Qatar, which raised concerns over the recruitment process facilitated by the agency in collaboration with some Sierra Leoneans based in the Gulf nation.
Authorities disclosed that the workers were reportedly transported to Qatar on the promise of job opportunities, but without authenticated employment contracts as required under the country’s labour migration regulations.
The Ministry described the situation as troubling, warning that such practices could leave migrant workers exposed to exploitation, legal complications, and financial hardship.
Officials stressed that private recruitment agencies are expected to comply with established ethical and legal standards designed to protect citizens seeking employment abroad.
As part of immediate measures, the Ministry has instructed Malador Travel Agency to provide valid and authenticated employment contracts for all 28 affected workers within five working days.
The government warned that failure to meet the directive could result in the repatriation of the workers and possible punitive action against the agency, including suspension or cancellation of its operational licence.
The Ministry further assured the public that it is working closely with Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Qatar to monitor the welfare of the workers and ensure their rights are protected.
In reaffirming its stance on labour migration, the Ministry urged Sierra Leoneans to be cautious when seeking overseas jobs and to verify recruitment agencies before making travel arrangements.
It also expressed concern over reports of unauthorized recruitment drives targeting Sierra Leoneans for jobs in Russia and other conflict-affected countries, particularly for defence-related roles.
Government officials cautioned citizens against participating in such risky programmes, emphasizing that unauthorized migration schemes could have life-threatening consequences.
The Ministry concluded by reiterating its commitment to enforcing labour migration laws and vowed to take strong legal action against any individual or agency found violating the regulations.
