Sierra Leone Immigration Department Unveils Decentralized Passport Services and New Uniforms

On November 1, 2024, at the Freetown City Council Hall, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) marked a historic occasion with the launch of new security uniforms and a milestone announcement—the decentralization of passport processing services across the country.


Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh, unveiled the initiative, which will allow passport processing in key district headquarter towns, significantly improving accessibility for Sierra Leoneans. By the end of November, citizens in Kenema (Eastern region), Bo (Southern region), and Bombali (Northeastern region) will no longer need to travel to Freetown for passport services, addressing longstanding accessibility challenges for rural residents. "The decentralization of passport services is part of our broader strategy to modernize and improve the efficiency of the Immigration Department,” Hon. Kanneh stated, emphasizing the financial and logistical relief this change brings to many Sierra Leoneans.


Looking ahead, the SLID also plans to extend passport processing to Sierra Leonean embassies in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA, by early 2025. This move will provide Sierra Leoneans living abroad with more convenient access to passport services without the need to travel home.

Hon. Kanneh emphasized that this effort aligns with a larger reform strategy, focusing on a more inclusive, citizen-centric approach to service delivery. "Our goal is to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of where they live, have equal access to the services they need," he remarked.


Local Government Minister Tamba Lamina, representing the Vice President, praised the initiative, noting that decentralization will relieve the burden on Freetown’s centralized offices and provide a more efficient and citizen-friendly experience. He also highlighted the importance of SLID officers as national representatives who contribute to Sierra Leone’s image as a welcoming and organized state.

The announcement was well-received by dignitaries and attendees, including high-ranking officials such as the Chief of Defense Staff, Minister of Transport Fanda Turay, Head of Public Service Commission K.O. Bah, and Coordinator of the Office of National Security, Abdullah Caulker. 


As Sierra Leone modernizes its institutions, this decentralization reflects the government’s commitment to improving public service access, promoting efficiency, and fostering a more inclusive administration that better serves its citizens.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) Opens Online Applications for 2024/2025 Academic Year

Image
Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has officially announced that online applications for the 2024/2025 academic year are now open. Prospective students can apply for a wide range of programs, including degrees and certifications, with flexible learning options available to accommodate both normal and distance learning for select courses.  The university offers various academic pathways, including diploma and certificate programs, designed to meet the diverse needs of students across the country. Available Programs: - Degree Programs - Higher Teachers Certificate (Secondary) – Normal and Distance - Higher Teachers Certificate (Primary) – Normal and Distance - Higher National Diploma - National Diploma - Teachers Certificate – Normal and Distance - Technician Certificate - Vocational Certificate To apply, interested applicants should visit the university’s website at [ www.mmtu.edu.sl ]( http://www.mmtu.edu.sl ). The application process requires a fee of Le 500.00, payable at ...
Read more

Internal APC Sources Reveal NAC Members Covertly Endorsing Presidential Candidate for 2028 Elections

Image
Reliable sources within the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have disclosed that members of the party’s National Advisory Committee (NAC) are secretly rallying behind a handpicked presidential candidate, sidelining the former presidential candidate, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara. This clandestine maneuver, allegedly orchestrated by former President Ernest Bai Koroma, has sparked concerns within the party about the transparency of the selection process for the 2028 national elections. According to insiders who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, former President Koroma, despite being in Nigeria on medical grounds, has maintained significant influence over the NAC. He is reported to have recommended Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, a lecturer at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, as his preferred candidate. NAC members, many of whom are loyal to the former president, are said to have discreetly endorsed Dr. Bangura and committed to ensuring his nomination as the party’s flagbearer...
Read more

Sierra Leone Signs Major Financing Agreement to Rebuild the Mabang-Moyamba-Gbangbatoke Corridor

Image
The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards strengthening the nation’s infrastructure with the signing of a financing agreement for the reconstruction of the Mabang-Moyamba-Gbangbatoke corridor. This major project aims to improve regional connectivity, facilitate transportation, and boost economic growth in the southern region of the country. The agreement was signed yesterday at the Ministry of Finance by acting Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kadiatu Allie, and the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy. The project will be executed by SIETRA, a renowned Burkina Faso-based construction firm, and is a critical part of President Julius Maada Bio’s ongoing infrastructure agenda. The signing ceremony attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay; Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Ing. Momodu; and Paramount Chief Caulker of Rotifunk. Following the agree...
Read more