By Sallieu S. Kanu
Koidu, Sierra Leone: The Commissioner of Labour and his enforcement team have intercepted more than ten Chinese nationals at the Mambudu Checkpoint in Kono District during a nationwide compliance drive aimed at enforcing Sierra Leone’s Unified Work and Residence Permit regime, according to a statement which was put by the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday
Authorities report that the individuals were en route to Kumaroh Village to engage in gold and diamond mining activities without having regularized their immigration and employment status, as required by law. They have since been handed over to the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters in Koidu for further investigation and possible legal action.
The interception underscores the Government’s intensified efforts to ensure that all foreign nationals living and working in Sierra Leone comply with labour and immigration regulations. The Labour Commissioner stressed that “it is no longer business as usual” for foreign nationals to enter, reside, or work in the country without the necessary permits. He described the enforcement drive as critical to protecting national security, promoting lawful employment, and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
This operation forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining and unauthorized employment practices across the country. More details are expected as investigations continue.