Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has engaged executive members of the Sierra Leone Community in the Gulf-State, where he encouraged his compatriots to conduct themselves within the confines of the UAE laws.

While welcoming the executive members, Ambassador Rashid Sesay said that the Embassy was happy to provide support to its nationals on various welfare issues. He also provided update on the work of the Embassy, including his recent visit to several correctional centers in Dubai, where Sierra Leonean nationals were held on various offences.

He said the purpose of his visit to the correctional centers was to get firsthand information from his nationals, adding that since that visit, he had already started conversation with the UAE authorities in finding solutions where possible.

He also spoke of the Embassy’s willingness to support the effective functioning of the Sierra Leone Community, including efforts being made to assist the Community in developing its constitution. Ambassador Sesay also called on the Community executive to join the Embassy in heightening sensitization among Sierra Leoneans in the UAE on important issues such as immigration, labor and employment.

In recent years, the UAE has become a tourism destination for many Sierra Leoneans. Additionally, there is a considerable number of Sierra Leoneans residing in the country employed in various sectors. It could be noted that in his usual engagements with Sierra Leoneans, Ambassador Sesay had always stressed the need for his compatriots to be peaceful, law-abiding, and serving as good examples.