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The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, has announced the commencement of a nationwide transition to a fully digital Resident and Work Permit System.
The reform is designed to modernize the management of permits for foreign nationals living and working in the country.
The initiative follows the signing of a Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) agreement with Constrat Systems, a technology solutions provider, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data harmonization across government services.
As part of the transition process, the issuance and renewal of resident and work permits have been temporarily suspended, effective Thursday, 13 November 2025, to allow for full system integration and preparatory measures. Officials described the pause as a short-term measure to ensure a seamless and secure migration to the digital platform.
According to the Ministry, once the transition is complete, all applications and renewals will be processed exclusively online, beginning 1 January 2026, through the new Digital Resident and Work Permit Platform. The platform will be accessible to both individuals and institutions, significantly reducing processing times and manual paperwork.
The Ministry further assured all affected foreign nationals that existing resident and work permits expiring during the transition period will remain valid until 1 January 2026, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged during the changeover.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and patience during the transition. They emphasized that this reform is a key component of the government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, which seeks to modernize public service delivery, improve accountability, and strengthen data-driven governance.
The new system is expected to streamline administrative processes, minimize delays, and enhance transparency in the issuance and management of permits a significant step toward aligning Sierra Leone’s immigration services with global best practices.
