By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced plans to enhance compliance and strengthen the regulation of private recruitment agencies operating in Sierra Leone.
In a public notice dated 6 August 2026, the Ministry reminded all recruitment agencies that their establishment, operations and management are regulated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 181 on Private Employment Agencies, as well as Regulations 49 to 60 of the Employment Regulations, 2023.
The Ministry stated that strict compliance with these legal provisions is necessary to improve labour administration, promote responsible recruitment practices and ensure that agencies operate within the framework of Sierra Leone’s labour laws and international standards.
According to the Ministry, proper regulation of private recruitment agencies is essential to safeguarding the interests of job seekers and ensuring that recruitment processes are conducted transparently, professionally and in line with workers’ rights.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and compliance, the Ministry has invited all private recruitment agencies to a stakeholder engagement meeting scheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in New England Ville, Freetown.
The engagement will provide an opportunity for the Ministry and recruitment agencies to discuss key issues affecting the recruitment sector and provide further guidance on their legal obligations.
The Ministry said discussions will focus particularly on the requirements of ILO Convention 181 and Regulations 49 to 60 of the Employment Regulations, 2023, with the aim of ensuring that recruitment agencies have a clear understanding of the standards they are required to uphold.
The Ministry explained that the meeting is also intended to support recruitment agencies in continuing their operations while ensuring full compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Private recruitment agencies play an increasingly important role in connecting job seekers with employment opportunities both within Sierra Leone and abroad. However, the government considers effective oversight of the sector necessary to prevent unfair recruitment practices and promote decent employment opportunities.
Through the stakeholder engagement, the Ministry seeks to strengthen cooperation between government and private-sector recruiters while addressing challenges that may affect the recruitment process.
The initiative is expected to contribute to improved labour governance, stronger protection for workers and greater accountability among recruitment agencies.
The Ministry has therefore urged all recruitment agencies to participate actively in the scheduled meeting, describing it as an important step towards building a more organised, transparent and compliant recruitment sector in Sierra Leone.
The move reflects the government’s continued commitment to developing a regulated labour market where recruitment agencies can operate effectively while protecting the rights and interests of workers and job seekers.