“No Foreigner Should Work here Without Proper Documentation” – Labour Minister

“No Foreigner Should Work here Without Proper Documentation” – Labour Minister

Sierra Leone Tightens Immigration Control with New Digital Work Permit Agreement

Towards modernizing labour governance and tightening immigration controls, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has ratified a major agreement between the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Construct System Limited, involves the creation of a unified digital work permit and residence system to monitor and manage foreign employment in the country.

Presenting the agreement on May 6, 2025, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray stressed the system’s transformative potential. He stated that the digital platform would track foreign workers throughout the application, vetting, and approval processes in real time, ensuring only those with proper documentation are allowed to work.

“This digitalization will help us track who is here and what they are doing,” said Minister Swaray. “No foreigner should work here without proper documentation.”

According to the Minister, over 70% of foreign nationals in Sierra Leone are currently working undocumented. The new system is expected to not only verify their legal status through integration with the Immigration Department but also ensure that foreign workers do not displace qualified Sierra Leoneans.

The system is also projected to generate over $10 million annually in revenue. Under the agreed revenue-sharing model, the government will receive 50% of the income in the first five years, increasing to 65% over time.

Parliamentarians welcomed the agreement, citing its importance for national security, economic growth, and labour rights. Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara expressed concerns about undocumented workers, particularly from Asian countries, occupying low-skilled jobs at the expense of locals. Hon. Bashiru Silikie emphasized the need for thorough vetting of applicants, warning against potential security threats.

“This is not just about issuing work permits,” Hon. Silikie remarked. “It’s about knowing who is in our country and ensuring they are not a threat.”

The ratified agreement will be implemented immediately, aiming to boost investor confidence, improve workforce management, and advance Sierra Leone’s digital governance. Minister Swaray concluded, “Let us boldly ratify to digitize our borders. Let us decisively ratify to defend our jobs.”