The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has engaged leading Overseas private Employment Agencies in a high-level consultative meeting aimed at assessing the safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean migrant workers currently employed across the Middle East.

Welcoming the participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Joseph Teckman Kanu provided an important platform for stakeholders to share updates, exchange operational data, and address emerging concerns relating to the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans working abroad amid evolving regional developments.

In his remarks, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized that recruitment agencies serve as critical channels through which Sierra Leoneans access overseas employment opportunities. He noted that recent developments in parts of the Middle East necessitated direct engagement with stakeholders to obtain firsthand updates on the safety and wellbeing of Sierra Leonean workers in the region.

Providing updates on behalf of SOS traveling Agency, Yusuf Conteh informed the meeting that the organization has maintained consistent weekly contact with Sierra Leonean workers in Dubai to monitor their welfare. He reported that all workers under their supervision remain safe.

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Representing HRGSL, Mr. Jeremiah Johnson disclosed that the organization currently has approximately 200 workers in Saudi Arabia, 79 in Qatar, and 30 in Dubai. While confirming that all workers are safe, he noted that some remain apprehensive due to ongoing regional concerns, although many continue to actively perform their duties at their respective workplaces.

For Kemokai Recruitment Agency, Clifford P. Williams, reported that the agency has 15 workers stationed in Dubai, all of whom are safe. He added that the agency maintains daily communication with its workers through a dedicated WhatsApp platform to ensure continuous monitoring and support.

Sheku Kanneh of Explore SL Ltd stated that the company deployed 30 female workers to Dubai last year and assured the Ministry that all workers remain safe despite prevailing concerns in the region.

Rev. B. Kallon of First International Recruitment explained that the company is relatively new and has not yet deployed workers abroad. However, he disclosed that the Managing Director is currently in Dubai engaging potential partner companies in preparation for future worker deployment.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Malador Travels Agency expressed appreciation to the Ministry for organizing the engagement. He revealed that although the company had not previously deployed workers to the Middle East, it recently facilitated the travel of 15 Sierra Leoneans to Qatar, with an additional 20 workers scheduled to depart by the end of the month.

In his closing remarks, the Minister Swaray underscored the importance of sustained engagement and monitoring, urging recruitment agencies to maintain regular communication and periodic visits to Sierra Leonean workers abroad to safeguard their welfare.

He thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of Sierra Leonean migrant workers overseas.