By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has highlighted the growing contribution of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to the country’s digital transformation journey, noting that the introduction of the biometric Unified Permit Platform for Resident and Work Permits is already delivering significant results in compliance, revenue generation and service efficiency.
In remarks shared through “The Chief’s Diary,” Dr. David Moinina Sengeh emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for foreign workers in Sierra Leone, describing the presence of non-nationals in the workforce as a positive development for national growth and economic progress.
According to him, while Sierra Leone continues to train and strengthen its local workforce, the country remains an attractive destination for foreigners seeking opportunities to reside and work. He stressed that the experience of living and working in Sierra Leone must be supported by simple, transparent and predictable laws that promote efficiency and legal compliance.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh stated that the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has already begun achieving that objective through the implementation of the Unified Permit Platform for Resident and Work Permits, noting that the impact of the initiative has been substantial.
Government records, he disclosed, indicate that in 2025, a total of 2,141 Resident Permits and 1,688 Work Permits were issued to non-nationals. However, since the launch of the biometric Unified Permit Platform on January 1, 2026, authorities have already issued 3,616 Resident Permits and 1,025 Work Permits, while more than 1,000 additional applications are still undergoing processing.
He described the figures as a strong indication of the effectiveness of the system, particularly considering that the year is only halfway completed.
The Chief Minister further revealed that the initiative, which is being implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, and private contractor Constrat SL, has generated more than two million United States dollars in revenue for the Government of Sierra Leone.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said the development reflects President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to expanding the country’s revenue base without placing additional tax burdens on poor citizens. He noted that the Government’s strategy focuses on improving public service delivery, enhancing national competitiveness and eliminating systemic bottlenecks that hinder efficiency.
He further explained that the biometric permit system directly contributes to two of Government’s “Big Five” priorities, labour and jobs, as well as technology, describing the initiative as a significant advancement in compliance, transparency, accountability and modern public service delivery.
Meanwhile, Constrat SL Management welcomed the Chief Minister’s recognition of the impact of the Unified Permit Platform, describing it as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital governance agenda.
The Management stated that the achievements recorded through the biometric Unified Resident and Work Permit system demonstrate the value of strong partnerships between Government and the private sector in delivering efficient and transparent public services.
The Management reaffirmed Constrat SL’s commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in building a more efficient, accountable and compliant permit management system in the country.
