By Ragan M. Conteh

In a historic move to modernize labour governance and tighten immigration compliance, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has ratified a landmark agreement between the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the development and hosting of a unified digital work permit and residence system.

“This digitalization will help us track who are here and what they are doing,” she said. “No foreigner should work here without proper documentation.”

This partnership, forged with Construct System Limited, marks a major leap in automating the foreign employment process in the country.

Presenting the agreement before Parliament on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized the system’s transformative potential. “We are stepping into the future of labour governance with our national interest at the center,” he declared.

“This system will digitize the entire foreign employment lifecycle—application, vetting, approval, and monitoring-all in real time.”

According to Minister Swaray, over 70% of foreign nationals in Sierra Leone are working, many undocumented.

The new system will not only verify the legality of their residency through integration with the Immigration Department, but will also help ensure that foreign labour does not displace qualified Sierra Leonean workers.

Critically, the project is projected to generate over $10 million annually. Under the revenue-sharing model, the government will receive 50% of the income for the first five years, increasing to 60% and eventually 65%. “This agreement is stronger than ever before,” Minister Swaray said. “It is legally solid, transparent, and nationally coordinated.”

Members of Parliament across the political aisle welcomed the agreement, noting its relevance for security, revenue generation, and labor rights. Chairperson of the Committee on Labour and Employment, Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara, raised concerns about undocumented foreign workers, especially from Asian countries, occupying low-skilled jobs at the expense of locals.

Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Hon. Marray Conteh, called the initiative a leap toward bridging the digital divide. “If we are to be effective participants in the global village, we must adopt digital tools,” he said. “This will enhance service delivery and revenue collection.”

Acting Leader of the opposition, Hon. Tamba Kelly, also endorsed the move, calling it a continuation of Minister Swaray’s proactive leadership. “This agreement simplifies processes and reflects serious reform,” he said, urging close monitoring of the contract to prevent abuse.

Acting leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, lauded the financial gains and data transparency the system promises. However, he called for stronger due diligence to ensure foreign applicants are thoroughly vetted for national security purposes.

“This is not just about issuing work permits,” Hon. Silikie emphasized. “It’s about knowing who is in our country and ensuring they are not a threat.”

The ratified agreement paves the way for immediate implementation. It is expected to strengthen investor confidence, improve workforce management, and reinforce Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda. In the words of Minister Swaray, “Let us boldly ratify to digitize our borders. Let us decisively ratify to defend our jobs.”