The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a nationwide verification exercise targeting foreign nationals residing and working in the country, set to commence on June 1, 2026. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security, improve migration management, and ensure that employment practices comply with national laws.
According to an official press release issued on May 25, 2026, the verification process will assess adherence to key legal documentation requirements, including residence permits, work permits, and non-national identity cards. Authorities emphasized that the exercise forms part of ongoing measures to regulate the country’s migration systems while ensuring full compliance with labour and immigration regulations.
The Government stated that the verification exercise will be conducted by a joint task force comprising the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Unified Permit Secretariat, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), and members of the security sector. The task force is expected to visit workplaces, business premises, educational institutions, project sites, residential areas, and any other locations where foreign nationals may be employed or living.
Officials explained that the nationwide operation aims to ensure that foreign nationals and their employers meet all legal requirements governing residence and employment. Authorities have called on both employers and foreign workers to verify that all relevant immigration and labour documents are valid, up-to-date, and readily available for inspection. Non-compliance, they warned, could result in fines, sanctions, or other legal action under Sierra Leonean law.
The Government also urged foreign nationals and their employers to regularize any outstanding documentation as soon as possible. Applications, renewals, and regularisation processes for residence and work permits can be completed conveniently through the Unified Permit online platform, providing a streamlined way for individuals to ensure their status is lawful and up to date.
This nationwide exercise signals the Government’s commitment to a structured and lawful approach to migration and employment, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability in all sectors employing foreign workers. Authorities have assured the public that the verification process will be conducted professionally, with a focus on fairness and compliance with legal standards.