On Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Freetown City Council Hall, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) marked a significant milestone not only with the unveiling of new security uniforms but also with the announcement of a transformative step for citizens across the country—the decentralization of passport processing services.

Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh, revealed that passport processing would now be available in key district headquarter towns, making the service more accessible to Sierra Leoneans.

Hon. Kanneh outlined that the decentralization of passport services is a critical move to bring this essential service closer to the people, particularly those in rural areas.

By the end of November 2024, residents of Kenema (Eastern region), Bo (Southern region), and Bombali (Northeastern region) will no longer need to travel to Freetown for passport processing, significantly easing the burden for citizens in these areas.

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“The decentralization of passport services is part of our broader strategy to modernize and improve the efficiency of the Immigration Department,” said Hon. Kanneh.

“We recognize that having to travel to the capital for basic services such as passport processing is not only inconvenient but also costly for many Sierra Leoneans. This new initiative will bring vital services to their doorsteps.”

In addition to the domestic expansion, Hon. Kanneh revealed that the department plans to extend passport processing services to two foreign missions: London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA.

This rollout, expected to take place in early 2025, is designed to serve Sierra Leoneans abroad, ensuring that they, too, can access timely and efficient passport services without having to return home.

The decentralization initiative is part of a larger reform strategy aimed at modernizing the SLID and addressing long-standing challenges within the system.

By eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies and expanding access to services, the department hopes to increase transparency, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall experience for citizens seeking to obtain passports.

In his remarks, Hon. Kanneh emphasized that this is just the beginning of the department’s efforts to provide more convenient and streamlined services to the public.

“Our goal is to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of where they live, have equal access to the services they need,” he said. “This decentralization effort represents a step forward in achieving that vision.”

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Local Government Minister Tamba Lamina lauded the move, noting that it would help alleviate the pressure on Freetown’s centralized offices and provide a more efficient, citizen-friendly service.

He highlighted the importance of SLID officers as ambassadors of the country, noting how they represent the nation to visitors and citizens alike, ensuring that Sierra Leone is seen as a welcoming and well-organized state.

The decentralization of passport processing was received positively by those in attendance, who included high-ranking officials such as the Chief of Defense Staff, Minister of Transport Fanda Turay, Head of Public Service Commission K.O. Bah, and Coordinator of the Office of National Security, Abdullah Caulker.

The initiative is seen as an essential step in promoting government efficiency and improving public access to crucial services.

 

As Sierra Leone continues to modernize its institutions, the decentralization of passport services stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, making essential services more accessible, and fostering a more inclusive and efficient public administration process