Kenema, Sierra Leone – Friday, June 26, 2026: The Honourable Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has concluded a three-day compliance and enforcement mission across the Southern and Eastern Regions, reaffirming the Government’s determination to enforce the Employment Act, 2023 and the Work Permit Act, 2023.
: The Minister was joined by Commissioner of Labour and Employment, Sinneh Bockarie, senior directors, and representatives of Constrat Systems SL Limited, the Government’s Public-Private Partnership contractor for the Unified Resident and Work Permit System.
Inspections: Companies including Splash Purified Water, First Tricon Construction, and Hill Top Hotel were inspected. Employers were reminded of their statutory obligations, with directives issued to those in breach.
Collaboration: Engagements with Regional Police Commands in Bo and Kenema focused on coordinated enforcement, intelligence sharing, and operational support.
Commissioner Sinneh Bockarie praised the cooperation between Labour Officers, Immigration, Police, and Constrat Systems, noting that the Unified Work Permit System enhances compliance, strengthens national security, and boosts government revenue.
Constrat Systems’ Head of Compliance, Ms. Mercy Oguama, emphasized the importance of collaboration in delivering efficient and credible permit services, ensuring employers and foreign nationals understand and comply with legal requirements.
At Freetown International Airport, five foreign nationals traveling on Air Peace were denied boarding after failing to present authentic resident documentation.
The Ministry confirmed that similar enforcement will soon extend to seaports and land borders.
Minister Swaray declared the mission “the beginning of a new era of compliance and enforcement,” stressing that Sierra Leone welcomes investment but demands adherence to its laws. He highlighted the decentralization of services with new regional offices in Bo, Kenema, and Kono, which will serve as hubs for permit processing, compliance monitoring, and employer support.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide inspections, protecting workers’ rights, promoting decent work, safeguarding national security, and ensuring that all foreign nationals employed in Sierra Leone are properly documented under the law.