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The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, announced the commencement of formal work permit enforcement on Monday, 29 June 2026, covering Sierra Leone’s international airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
Speaking after a three-day compliance mission concluding in Bo and Kenema, Minister Swaray declared: “Today’s airport action sends a clear message: compliance with Sierra Leone’s laws faces rigorous enforcement. Beginning Monday, enforcement expands work permit compliance at airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Every non-national who requires a Work Permit must present one along with a valid Resident Permit. Employers bear legal responsibility for ensuring foreign employees remain fully compliant.”
Minister stressed Sierra Leone remains open to legitimate investment and skilled foreign professionals, but only where all legal requirements are respected.
The announcement followed a three-day compliance mission. During the mission, the Minister engaged employers, carried out workplace inspections, and met with police commands in the Southern and Eastern regions. The visit also reinforced cooperation among the Ministry, the Sierra Leone Police, Immigration, and other agencies tasked with enforcing the Employment Act 2023 and Work Permit Act 2023.
Commissioner of Labour and Employment Sinneh Bockarie noted that strengthened enforcement partnerships ensure a coordinated national compliance approach.
“Labour compliance represents shared national responsibility. Working together, Labour, Immigration, Police, Office of National Security, and implementation partners strengthen regulatory compliance, protect Sierra Leone’s labour market integrity, and enhance national security.”
Finally, the Ministry advises all employers and foreign nationals to ensure required Resident Permits and Work Permits remain current, confirming that compliance inspections continue nationwide as the Government intensifies Employment Act 2023 and Work Permit Act 2023 implementation.
