By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
Sierra Leone is taking significant steps to modernize its labor governance and tighten immigration controls with the recent ratification of a digital work permit agreement. The Parliament approved the initiative, developed in partnership with Construct System Limited, which aims to create a unified digital system for managing foreign employment.
On May 6, 2025, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, presented the agreement, emphasizing its potential to transform monitoring processes for foreign workers. The new digital platform will enable real-time tracking of foreign nationals throughout the application, vetting, and approval phases, ensuring that only those with proper documentation are permitted to work in the country.
“This digitalization will help us track who is here and what they are doing,” Minister Swaray stated. He highlighted that over 70% of foreign nationals in Sierra Leone currently work without proper documentation. The new system is designed to verify the legal status of these workers through integration with the Immigration Department, while also safeguarding job opportunities for qualified Sierra Leoneans.
The agreement is projected to generate over $10 million annually in revenue. Under the revenue-sharing model, the government will receive 50% of the income during the first five years, increasing to 65% thereafter.
Parliamentarians have welcomed this initiative, recognizing its significance for national security, economic growth, and labor rights. Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara raised concerns about undocumented workers, particularly from Asian countries, filling low-skilled jobs at the expense of local citizens. Hon. Bashiru Silikie emphasized the importance of thorough applicant vetting, warning of 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 is set to be implemented immediately, with the goal of boosting investor confidence, enhancing workforce management, and advancing Sierra Leone’s digital governance. Minister Swaray concluded, “Let us boldly ratify to digitize our borders. Let us decisively ratify to defend our jobs.”
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