By Saidu Jalloh | D.S. Reporter
Wednesday, 9th September 2026 — Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has secured key commitments from Guinean authorities to ensure Sierra Leoneans transiting through Guinea for jobs in Arab countries do so safely and lawfully.
The high-level engagement in Conakry is part of government’s drive to protect citizens from exploitation and streamline cross-border labour migration.
Minister Koroma said the talks became urgent following reports of Sierra Leoneans facing delays and difficulties at Guinean entry points while en route to employment abroad. He stressed that both countries must coordinate better to allow genuine workers to travel without unnecessary disruption.
“The government is committed to safe, orderly and lawful labour migration,” Koroma stated. “Sierra Leoneans deserve protection from illegal recruiters and clear pathways that respect immigration laws.”
The Minister disclosed that Sierra Leone has existing Memoranda of Understanding with some Arab countries for the recruitment of nationals. He warned however that unregistered recruitment agencies continue to operate illegally, exposing workers to fraud and poor conditions.
To address this, Koroma announced plans to set up a dedicated committee to oversee overseas employment and migration. The committee will work to ensure all recruitment is professionally managed and compliant with both domestic and international standards.
He further emphasized the need to strengthen the regulatory framework to safeguard workers from trafficking, exploitation and abuse.
Guinean officials welcomed the initiative and pledged closer cooperation with Sierra Leone to facilitate lawful movement of workers through Guinea, with proper documentation and adherence to immigration requirements.
The engagement marks a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation on labour migration and protecting the rights of Sierra Leonean workers abroad.
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