By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in collaboration with Constrat Systems SL LTD has commenced the production of Securitised and Multi-purpose Biometric Identity Cards and ID Verification System in the Western Area and other Regional Headquarter towns on the 30th January, 2023.
The categories of the ID Cards include: National Identity Cards – For Sierra Leoneans only aged 12 and above, ECOWAS ID Cards – On demand for Sierra Leoneans and ECOWAS citizens and Non-National ID Cards Mandatory for all foreign residents in Sierra Leone.
It further stated that foreign nationals, with the exception of those with Diplomatic waivers, are strongly encouraged to acquire their Non-National ID Cards by 1st May 2023.
NCRA added that following a Parliamentary Ratification of the ID Card Agreement that tied access to various services to the National Identification Number (NIN), Applicants for Work and Residence Permits must present their Non-National ID Cards which include their NIN at the relevant Ministry or Department for processing.
It also informs the general public to report at the following respective NCRA Offices and other designated Centres for Application and processing of their ID Cards.
1. NCRA Headquarters at 2 Walpole Street, Freetown.
11. NCRA Office at 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown
III. NCRA Office on Kennedy Street, Freetown
IV. NCRA Branch Office at 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Round & About)
V. NCRA Office at Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
VI. NCRA Offices at the respective Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo,
Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko.
The NCRA ended by stating that in a bid to increase accessibility to members of the public, Corporate facilities will be available from Monday 20th February, 2023.
It also advised Organisations/ Institutions interested in the Corporate service such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS), Foreign Missions, Financial Institutions etc to contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333/+232-30-500-000/+232-6 0-000/+232-78-221- 812 and EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov for details of the Service.
