By Kadiatu Bash Kamara
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., has outlined government’s plans to strengthen job creation, improve employment regulation, and enhance monitoring of foreign workers in Sierra Leone.
The Minister made the disclosure on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the Weekly Press Conference hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, Freetown. His remarks formed part of discussions on the outcome of the Vice President’s-led mission to Guinea.
Minister Koroma said the government’s employment agenda is focused on creating sustainable opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people, while encouraging greater participation in productive sectors of the economy.
He noted that job creation requires collective efforts from government, the private sector and young people themselves, particularly through the development of marketable skills and entrepreneurship.
The Minister further highlighted the Employment Act of 2023 as a key framework guiding government’s efforts to improve employment opportunities and protect the interests of Sierra Leonean workers.
According to him, the legislation provides clear provisions on employment, and is intended to ensure that Sierra Leoneans are given fair opportunities in the labour market. He said his ministry is committed to fully implementing the Act and monitoring compliance by employers.
Minister Koroma explained that the ministry has been conducting monitoring activities to ensure that companies operating in Sierra Leone comply with employment regulations and that positions are appropriately filled by qualified workers.
He disclosed that government is also working to establish an interactive job portal that will provide a centralized platform for advertising employment opportunities and enabling qualified Sierra Leoneans to apply for available positions.
The Minister said the initiative is expected to make the recruitment process more accessible and transparent, allowing job seekers to identify opportunities and apply based on their qualifications.
On work permits, Minister Koroma emphasized that government has digitalized work and residence permit, which has improved the processing and monitoring of the issuance of work and residence permits, while strengthening government’s oversight of foreign nationals employed in the country.
According to the Minister, the ministry intends to put mechanisms in place to monitor companies employing foreign nationals and ensure that they comply with the Employment Act and relevant work permit regulations.
He emphasized that every foreign national working in Sierra Leone must obtain the appropriate work or residence permit and meet the necessary requirements.
Minister Koroma also encouraged members of the public who have concerns about employment opportunities, recruitment processes, or the legality of employment arrangements to seek guidance from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
He urged citizens to verify employment opportunities and consult the relevant authorities before making payments or entering into employment arrangements, particularly those involving overseas employment.
The Minister assured the public that the ministry would continue to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms and provide guidance to workers and job seekers.
He reiterated that government’s broader objective is to create an environment where Sierra Leoneans, especially young people, can access decent employment opportunities, while ensuring that businesses and foreign workers operate within the country’s legal framework.