Sierra Leone Announces Nationwide Work Permit Inspections

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has announced a nationwide inspection exercise to assess compliance with work permit and labour documentation requirements.

The inspections will target foreign nationals working or conducting business in the country, as well as employers that fail to meet work permit regulations. The Ministry’s announcement was issued on 5 November 2026.

Checks may be unannounced

According to the Ministry, a designated task force will conduct compliance verification and spot checks across the country. The inspections will be targeted and may take place without prior notification.

Officials may visit workplaces, business establishments, institutions, project sites, commercial premises and other locations where foreign nationals may be working.

The exercise will focus on whether relevant employment documents are valid, updated and available for inspection. Employers and foreign nationals have been advised to keep applicable labour documents, including work permits, ready for review by authorised officials.

Possible penalties for violations

The Ministry warned that noncompliance may lead to enforcement measures, including financial penalties and the closure of business premises operating in violation of applicable labour regulations.

It did not specify the exact date on which inspections would begin or how long the exercise would continue.

Part of wider enforcement effort

The Ministry said the inspections form part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen enforcement of labour laws, ensure the proper registration of foreign workers and promote compliance with the Work Permit Act, 2023.

The exercise follows an earlier notice issued approximately two weeks before the announcement. That notice directed foreign nationals residing and working in Sierra Leone to comply with established work permit requirements.

The latest action is also intended to verify whether employers and foreign workers have regularised their employment documentation. The Ministry urged employers, institutions and foreign nationals to meet their legal obligations and avoid possible sanctions.