By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Government of Sierra Leone is set to commence a nationwide compliance verification and spot-check exercise targeting employers and foreign nationals to ensure strict adherence to the country’s labour laws and work permit regulations.
The exercise, announced by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in a press release dated November 5, 2026, is part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen labour administration, enforce work permit requirements and ensure that foreign nationals engaged in employment or business activities operate within the law.
According to the Ministry, the exercise follows a notice issued two weeks earlier, urging foreign workers to regularize their work permit status and comply with established labour regulations.
The Ministry disclosed that a designated Task Force will conduct targeted and unannounced inspections across the country. The inspections will cover workplaces, business premises, institutions, project sites and other locations where foreign nationals are engaged in employment or business activities.
The exercise will focus on verifying the compliance status of foreign workers and their employers, particularly the possession and validity of required work permits and other relevant labour documents.
The Ministry explained that the initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing enforcement of mandatory registration requirements for foreign nationals and the implementation of the Work Permit Act, 2023.
Employers and foreign nationals have consequently been urged to ensure that all required labour documents are valid, up to date and readily available for inspection by the authorities.
The Ministry warned that individuals and businesses found violating the established requirements will face enforcement measures in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws. These measures may include applicable penalties and the closure of business premises where necessary.
The nationwide exercise underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight of foreign employment, promoting compliance with labour laws and ensuring that businesses operating in Sierra Leone fulfil their legal obligations.