Passports Decentralisation for Bo,Kenema and Makeni to commence soon

London and Washington to follow…

Sierra Leone’s Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh has said the office will soon commence the process of passports issuance for the people upcountry referencing Kenema, Bo and Makeni.

CIO Kanneh made this statement last Friday at the launched of the new sets of security uniforms for Immigration Officers at the Freetown City Hall Building .

He added that with modalities already in place, Immigration Department will start the decentralization process this November wherein those living upcountry will no longer have to travel to Freetown for passports. Chief Immigration Officer Kanneh maintained that the decentralization will also take place outside Sierra Leone with plans to have the same thing replicated in London and Washington.

This, the CIO added will make it easier for Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora to find it more easy and convenient in renewing and processing of international passports.

This development is taking place under the dynamic leadership of the charismatic , and result-oriented Chief Immigration Officer. Hon. Alusine Kanneh.

The institution officially unveiled brand new sets of security uniforms for its personnel to enable them to enhance security.

During the launch of the new sets of uniforms , Hon. Alusine Kanneh said the unveiling of the new uniforms was more than a change of appearance, as it is considered to be  a transformation of their identity. These uniforms, he added, symbolize a modern, professional and dynamic Sierra Leone Immigration Department that is equipped to face the challenges of today’s world.

“A uniform is not just a fabric; it is a badge of honor, authority, and responsibility. It reflects our discipline, unity, and trust that the people of Sierra Leone have reposed on us.”

“For our officers,” he continued, that it was a reminder of the values they hold dear: integrity, vigilance and service to the nation. He said the Immigration Department is at the very heart of the nation’s security apparatus.

He noted that the Immigration Department is a gatekeeper of Sierra Leone’s borders, tasked with safeguarding the sovereignty, maintaining law and order at points of entry, and facilitating the smooth movement of people for economic growth and national development.

He emphasized that in just a year of his administration, he has made significant progress in modernizing the institution, enhancing their operational capacity, and building more agile immigration officers.

He highlighted that he has implemented comprehensive administrative reforms to streamline their operations, improve transparency, and promote accountability by reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. He said they are now better equipped to deliver services more swiftly in an effective and efficient manner. He disclosed that arrangements are well advanced to decentralize and roll out the processing of passports by the end of November 2024 in the three major District Headquarter towns; Kenema District (Eastern region), Bo District (Southern region), and Bombali District (North East region).

CIO Kanneh also further disclosed that the rollout will be extended to two of their foreign missions in London (United Kingdom) and Washington D.C. (United States of America) in early 2025.

From his side, Secretary to President. Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, spoke on the role of immigration and border management. He said the conveying of the unveiling of the uniform is a testament and dedication of the current leadership of his Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, towards immigration service. He said the unveiling of the uniforms played a significant role in national peace and security.

He mentioned that the role of immigration is to impose effective border management and enhance the national security of the state. He added that immigration is viewed as a common management by a few, but the majority of their compatriot view immigration as simply an entity that issues passports and travel documents.

Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President, Tamba Lamina, Local Government Minister, pointed out that immigration officers serve as a representative of a nation to foreigners. Their uniforms include national symbols, colors and badge, and promoting the country’s identity and values.

These symbolic representations, he added, can live a positive impression on visitors, contributing to a strong and national image.

The occasion was graced by the Chief of Defense Staff, Inspector General, Faiya Sellu, Minister of Transport, Fanday Turay, Head of Public Service Commission, K. O Bah, Human Resource Management Office, Ansu Tucker, and Office of the Nationa Security Coordinator, Abdulai Caulker.

For more inquiries:

Communications Specialist Office of the Chief Immigration Officer