The government this week announced that all foreign nationals residing or working in the country must now obtain valid biometric residence and work permits, as the old paper-based documentation is no longer valid.

Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department affirmed that failure to comply with this directive, which came into effect on April 1, could result in severe sanctions for both foreign nationals and their employers. 

The government says only biometric residence and work permits will be recognized for identification, residency, and employment purposes.

“Nationwide compliance enforcement is now in effect,” the authorities said, adding that verification checks are being carried out at airports, border entry points, workplaces, and through field inspections across the country.

Foreign nationals are required to present valid biometric permits upon request by immigration officials. Failure to comply could result in serious consequences, including denial of entry or exit at border points, administrative sanctions, financial penalties, or revocation of residency and work authorization.

The government said employers have a responsibility to verify the legal status of their foreign employees, warning that engaging non-nationals without valid biometric permits constitutes a violation of national regulations. 

It said immigration and labour offices would remain operational in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Kono, and Port Loko, with trained personnel to assist applicants. 

Authorities noted that applications, renewals, and verification can also be completed online via the official portal at https://unifiedpermit.gov.sl/ 

The government said that no further extensions will be granted and advised all affected individuals and institutions to regularize their status with immediate effect.

The move, officials say, is part of broader efforts to strengthen migration management and ensure a more secure, transparent, and efficient system in Sierra Leone.