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The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rahma Swaray, has met with the Steering Committee of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, to update them on the new arrangements for Work Permit.
The meeting follows the Ministry’s notification for an increment in the cost of work permits for foreign workers in Sierra Leone earlier this month. It is believed that the message will roll down to all INGOs operating in the country.
Director-General of the Local Content Agency, Mr. Fodeba Daboh, explained the importance of prioritizing nationals when it comes to employment.
He emphasized the need to explore the local labour market for potential employees to be sure that there is no competent Sierra Leonean who would better perform in a vacant position before the decision to bring in a foreigner is reached.
He said that the Local Content Act complements the Labour Laws, therefore, anyone who contravenes the Acts/Laws will be dealt with with a heavy hand.
The Minister explained that he decided to push for the adjustment of work permit fees as a way to secure more jobs for Sierra Leoneans, to complement the President’s agenda for the creation of 500,000 jobs for Sierra Leoneans.
He went on that the decision for the increment was reached after a series of consultations with the Ministry’s Social Partners, and a comparative study of work permit fees in the sub-region.
He entreated the employers to treat the information and decision with utmost seriousness and ensure to thorough study of the Work Permit Act 2023 and the Work Permit Regulation 2024.
A presentation of key provisions of the Work Permit Act 2023, Regulation 2024, and proposed work permit fees was delivered by the Acting Director of Labour and Employment, Mr. Sinneh Bockarie.
The meeting was climaxed by a questions, answers, and discussion session.
