By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched a Unified Digital Platform for the processing of Resident and Work Permits, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive toward digital governance, regulatory efficiency, and improved immigration and labour management.
The announcement was made in a press release issued on Wednesday December 31, 2025 by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department. According to the release, all applications and renewals for Resident and Work Permits will now be processed exclusively online with effect from January 1, 2026.
The new system, known as the Unified Permits Platform, is designed to provide a secure, transparent, and fully integrated end-to-end process that allows applicants to submit applications, track progress, and receive approvals remotely. Government officials say the platform will significantly reduce bureaucratic delays, eliminate inefficiencies associated with manual processing, and strengthen regulatory oversight.
In the statement, the Government informed the general public, employers, investors, diplomatic missions, and all non-nationals living and working in Sierra Leone that the era of manual permit processing has come to an end. The move is expected to boost investor confidence while aligning immigration and labour practices with applicable national laws and international standards.
“The Unified Permits Platform provides a secure, transparent, and fully integrated end-to-end process, enabling applicants to submit, track, and receive approvals remotely, significantly improving efficiency while strengthening regulatory oversight and investor confidence,” the release stated.
The Government further urged all non-nationals to regularize their immigration and employment status without delay. Employers were also called upon to fully cooperate with the new system to ensure a lawful, orderly, and transparent immigration and labour management framework.
Authorities warned that failure to comply with the new requirements could result in serious consequences, including interrupted travel, violations of the law, and penalties as prescribed by existing legislation.
The press release also addressed concerns relating to the temporary moratorium on permit processing that was in effect between November 13 and December 31, 2025. According to the Government, all persons affected by the moratorium are now required to apply for or renew their permits through the digital platform.
In a clear signal of enforcement, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department announced that nationwide compliance inspections will commence across workplaces and institutions. These inspections will be carried out in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.
“Non-nationals residing or working in Sierra Leone unlawfully, and employers found in breach of the law, will face penalties in accordance with existing legislation,” the statement warned.
The launch of the Unified Digital Platform forms part of broader public sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and strengthening compliance across key sectors of governance. Observers say the initiative is also expected to curb abuse of the permit system, improve data integrity, and support national security and labour market regulation.
Applicants seeking Resident or Work Permits have been advised to visit the official portal at https://unifiedpermit.gov.sl to complete the application process. The platform is accessible nationwide and is expected to simplify procedures for both first-time applicants and those seeking renewals.
For further inquiries, the Government has provided a dedicated contact line: +232 30 300003.
As Sierra Leone continues to embrace digital transformation, the introduction of the Unified Permits Platform represents a significant step toward modernizing immigration and labour administration, ensuring compliance with the law, and creating a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment.
