Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, announced on Tuesday that his ministry has collected SLe16,887,845 in work permit fees from January to mid-July 2024.
This significant amount will be transferred to Sierra Leone’s consolidated government fund.
In a press briefing, Swaray highlighted that no new work permit contracts have been signed since he assumed office. Reflecting on past years, he noted that in 2022, SLe8,374,290 was deposited into the consolidated fund, with an additional SLe7,136,834 collected domestically.
“We are advancing in reviewing and digitizing our work permit processes to enhance transparency in labor employment,” Swaray stated confidently.
He also discussed efforts to revise Sierra Leone’s Ethical Labour Migration Policy, focusing on overseas employment, and highlighted plans to improve the employability of Sierra Leonean graduates in the private sector. Swaray revealed plans to launch a digital platform for direct job applications, expected to be operational within the next 90 days.
During a PowerPoint presentation, the ministry reported that 92% of industrial disputes were received, with 80% resolved, 74% ongoing, and 20% referred to court. The ministry also facilitated 1,123 job placements in 2023, benefiting 742 migrant workers and others.
Swaray concluded the briefing by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and modernization in managing labor affairs, aiming to create a conducive environment for both employers and employees in Sierra Leone.
