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The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has stepped up its nationwide enforcement campaign by securing the support of the Sierra Leone Police in the North-East Region to strengthen compliance with the Unified Resident and Work Permit system and enforce the country’s labour laws.
Speaking during an engagement with the North-East Regional Police Command on Monday, June 29, 2026, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, stressed that effective labour law enforcement requires the collective efforts of all state institutions, especially the security sector.
He said the initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to creating jobs and ensuring that Sierra Leoneans benefit from decent employment opportunities.
“We cannot remain in Freetown and expect to understand the realities across the country. That is why we have taken this compliance drive nationwide,” the Minister stated, adding that the Ministry has recruited over 150 new staff members to strengthen inspections and enforcement following years of staffing shortages.
Hon. Swaray further disclosed that the Government’s partnership on the Unified Resident and Work Permit system has significantly improved compliance while enhancing revenue generation through more effective regulation of foreign workers.
Presenting updates on the system, Constrat System’s Head of Marketing and Visibility, Yeama Thompson, revealed that from January 1 to May 31, 2026, the company processed 3,816 resident permits and 1,035 work permits, describing the figures as evidence that sustained enforcement is producing positive results.
Commissioner of Labour, Sinneh Bockarie, reminded employers that the Ministry’s responsibilities extend beyond work permits to safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting decent working conditions.
He urged employers to issue written contracts of employment, submit them to the Ministry for verification, comply with the newly approved national minimum wage of Le1,200, and respect employees’ rights to join trade unions in accordance with Sierra Leone’s labour laws.
Responding on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police and North-East Regional Commander, Mrs Elizabeth Kaintor Dukuray, assured the Ministry of the Police’s unwavering support.
She pledged that the Police would continue to work closely with the Ministry to strengthen labour law enforcement, improve compliance with the Unified Permit system, and contribute to national development.
The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at promoting decent work, protecting workers’ rights, regulating foreign labour, strengthening compliance with labour legislation, and improving enforcement across Sierra Leone.
