By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Newspaper
The Government is weighing a proposal to transform the Sierra Leone Immigration Department into a semi-autonomous, regimental service aimed at strengthening border management and improving service delivery.
Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq. presented the draft Cabinet Policy Proposal to Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor at the Country Lodge Conference Hall on Saturday. The presentation was attended by SLID’s senior leadership, the Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, and Director of Research and Policy.
Minister Lengor and his team reviewed the document and provided recommendations to refine it before submission to Cabinet.
The proposal seeks approval to reposition SLID from an agency to a service operating under a regimental command system. Officials said the restructuring is designed to boost operational efficiency, reinforce border security, and align the department with international standards.
The paper cites current structural limitations that hinder swift responses to migration trends, border threats, and transnational crime. It argues that adopting a “service” model with a regimental framework will clarify command, entrench discipline, and improve accountability, while eliminating overlap with other ministries.
Under the proposed structure, SLID would function as a semi-autonomous body under the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ policy oversight, with operational and administrative independence within established regulations. The document also recommends using “service” and “regimental” in place of “agency” and “paramilitary” to accurately reflect its role.
Anticipated benefits include enhanced border control, stronger migration management, increased professionalism, clearer inter-agency roles, and greater public trust in the department’s performance.
The next phase will involve finalizing the revised draft, forwarding a concise policy paper to Cabinet, and initiating legislative and administrative steps upon approval.
Dr. Baio said the reform would equip SLID to address 21st-century security and migration challenges while remaining fully accountable to the state.
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