By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has held a high-level consultative meeting with private overseas employment agencies to assess the safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean migrant workers in the Middle East.
The engagement brought together key recruitment agencies to provide updates, share operational data, and address concerns about the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans working abroad amid evolving regional developments.
Permanent Secretary Joseph Teckman Kanu said the meeting created a platform for stakeholders to exchange information and respond promptly to emerging issues affecting migrant workers.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized that recruitment agencies play a critical role in facilitating overseas job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. He noted that recent developments in parts of the Middle East made it necessary for the government to obtain direct updates on workers’ conditions.
Representatives of several agencies reported that Sierra Leonean workers under their supervision remain safe across the region.
Yusuf Conteh of SOS Traveling Agency stated that the organization maintains weekly contact with workers in Dubai and confirmed that all are safe.
Jeremiah Johnson of HRGSL said the agency currently has about 200 workers in Saudi Arabia, 79 in Qatar, and 30 in Dubai. While all workers are safe, some remain concerned about regional developments.
Clifford P. Williams of Kemokai Recruitment Agency reported that the agency has 15 workers in Dubai and maintains daily communication with them via WhatsApp.
Sheku Kanneh of Explore SL Ltd said the company deployed 30 female workers to Dubai last year, all of whom remain safe.
Rev. B. Kallon of First International Recruitment noted that the company has not yet deployed workers but is engaging potential partners in Dubai ahead of future operations.
The Chief Executive Officer of Malador Travels Agency confirmed that the company recently facilitated the travel of 15 Sierra Leoneans to Qatar, with 20 more expected to depart by the end of the month.
In his closing remarks, Minister Swaray urged recruitment agencies to maintain regular communication and conduct periodic visits to workers abroad to ensure their safety and wellbeing. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Sierra Leonean migrant workers overseas.