The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) on January 23, 2025, hosted a landmark meeting with key institutions to address the identification, verification and registration of foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held in Freetown, brought together prominent stakeholders, including the Office of National Security (ONS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Immigration Department, Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Labour and the National Telecommunications Authority.
Discussions focused on addressing challenges in registering foreign nationals and developing strategies to streamline and harmonize the process for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Speaking at the event, NCRA’s Director-General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, highlighted the critical importance of this initiative, underscoring its implications for national security, governance and international relations. He elaborated on three key areas of focus:
- National Security:
Proper identification and registration of foreign nationals are essential for safeguarding national security. The process ensures that individuals entering and residing in Sierra Leone are vetted and documented, helping to mitigate risks such as illegal immigration, human trafficking and other security threats. - Data Collection for Policy Making:
The registration of foreign nationals provides the Government with vital data necessary for effective planning and policymaking. By law, the NCRA is mandated to register all individuals, including both citizens and non-citizens, living in Sierra Leone. - International Relations:
Accurate registration supports international cooperation by enabling efficient collaboration on matters such as extradition, repatriation and combating cross-border crime. This initiative fosters stronger diplomatic ties and positions Sierra Leone as a responsible global partner.
During the meeting, stakeholders pledged to work collaboratively to enhance the registration process and improve the quality and accuracy of data collected. Participating institutions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government’s vision, as spearheaded by the ONS and the National Security Coordinating Group (NSCCG).
The discussions laid the groundwork for strengthened inter-agency coordination, with the goal of ensuring that foreign nationals in Sierra Leone are properly identified, verified and registered.
This initiative is expected to reinforce national security, provide data-driven insights for policy formulation and elevate Sierra Leone’s standing in international relations, reflecting its dedication to global best practices in governance and security.
