By Ibrahim Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone has announced the commencement of a nationwide verification exercise targeting foreign nationals living and working across the country, beginning on June 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen national security, improve migration management and ensure lawful employment practices.
According to a Press Release issued on May 25, 2026, the verification process will focus on assessing compliance with key legal documentation requirements, including residence permits, work permits and non-national identity cards for foreign nationals residing and operating within Sierra Leone. Authorities noted that the exercise forms part of ongoing measures aimed at regulating migration systems while ensuring adherence to national labour and immigration laws.
The Government disclosed that the exercise will be carried out by a joint task force comprising the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Unified Permit Secretariat, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and members of the country’s security sector.
Officials stated that the task force will conduct inspections at workplaces, business premises, institutions, project sites, residential communities and other locations where foreign nationals may be employed or residing. The nationwide operation is expected to ensure that foreign workers and residents comply fully with immigration and labour regulations governing their stay and employment in Sierra Leone.
The Government has advised all employers and foreign nationals to ensure that immigration and labour-related documents are valid, updated and readily available for inspection at all times during the exercise. Authorities cautioned that failure to comply with the stipulated requirements could result in penalties or other legal actions in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, the Government has encouraged affected individuals and institutions to regularize their status where necessary, noting that applications, renewals and regularization for residence and work permits can be completed through the Unified Permit online platform.
