Freetown, 5th November, 2026 — The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has warned that employers and businesses that fail to comply with Sierra Leone’s work permit laws will face penalties, including closure of their premises.
In a press release issued today, the Ministry said it will begin a nationwide compliance verification and spot-check exercise to enforce work permit regulations for foreign nationals working in the country.
The exercise follows a notice letter issued two weeks ago requesting all foreign workers to comply with the laid down work permit rules.
According to the Ministry, the operation is a continuation of Government’s enforcement of mandatory registration requirements for foreign nationals and compliance with the labour laws, particularly the Work Permit Act, 2023.
The task force will carry out targeted and unannounced inspections at workplaces, business premises, institutions, project sites, and other locations where foreign nationals may be engaged in work or business.
The Ministry has strongly advised employers and foreign nationals to ensure that all relevant labour documents are valid, updated and readily available for inspection at all times.
“Failure to comply with these requirements will result in enforcement actions in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone, including penalties and closure of business premises,” the release stated.
The Ministry called on the general public, employers, and all foreign nationals residing and working in Sierra Leone to cooperate fully with the inspection teams.
