By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
Freetown, April 18, 2026 Foreign nationals working without valid permits in Sierra Leone and the businesses that hire them now face a $5,000 fine as the government ends its immigration grace period and moves to full enforcement.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Mohamed Rahman Swaray announced the directive on Friday, April 17, during a government capacity-building workshop at the Sierra Palms Hotel. “Employers who hire foreign nationals without proper legal authorization will also be hit with the same financial penalty,” Swaray said. “We shall ensure the full implementation of the law.”
The penalty is the enforcement arm of the Unified Permits Platform (unifiedpermit.gov.sl), a digital system launched in January 2026 to replace paper-based processes. Since April 15, all non-citizens have been required to hold valid digital documentation linked to the National Civil Registration Authority. The platform standardizes applications and sets tiered fees for legal work permits, from $220 for NGO workers to $1,500 for non-ECOWAS professionals in the formal sector.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs David Fortune said the overhaul is a strategic shift to boost efficiency, cut costs, and protect the integrity of the immigration system. He noted the automated database will help prevent fraud and detect illegal employment. Decentralized offices have been set up nationwide to support the transition.
Yeama Thompson, media consultant for Constrat, which deployed the platform, said the system is fully operational and actively monitoring compliance. “This is not just a digital upgrade; it is a structural reform,” Thompson said. “This is about systems that work, governance that delivers, and positioning Sierra Leone for a prosperous future.”
With the grace period closed, labor inspectors and immigration officials will use the digital database for on-site verifications. Violators found outside the lawful system will be issued $5,000 fines. The directive covers all sectors, including private investors, public institutions, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental organizations.
Authorities are urging all non-nationals to regularize their status immediately to avoid penalties.
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