On November 1, 2024, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) made a significant announcement at the Freetown City Council Hall. The department will decentralize passport processing to district headquarter towns, making it more accessible for citizens across the country. This move aims to bring essential services closer to residents, particularly those in rural areas.

Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh stated that, starting in late November 2024, residents in Kenema, Bo, and Bombali will no longer need to travel to Freetown for passports, easing both financial and logistical burdens for many Sierra Leoneans. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the department, enhance efficiency, and improve service accessibility.

In addition to domestic decentralization, SLID plans to extend passport services to Sierra Leonean embassies in London and Washington, D.C., by early 2025, providing more convenient access for citizens abroad.

The project is viewed as a critical reform to streamline government services and enhance transparency. By reducing bureaucracy and expanding access, SLID hopes to improve the overall experience for passport applicants, regardless of their location. This step reflects a commitment to equal service access and is expected to reduce the strain on Freetown’s main offices, ultimately creating a more efficient public administration system.

Local Government Minister Tamba Lamina praised the initiative, noting its potential to foster a citizen-friendly, efficient service. The announcement received widespread support, with prominent officials, including the Chief of Defense Staff and the Minister of Transport, applauding this pivotal step toward improved public services.