Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone has announced the official launch of a Unified Digital Platform for the processing of resident and work permits, marking a major shift to a fully online system beginning 1 January 2026.
In a press release issued on 31 December 2025 in Freetown, the Government said the initiative is being implemented through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department.
According to the statement, all applications and renewals for resident and work permits will now be processed exclusively online via the Unified Permits Platform.
The Government explained that the new platform is designed to provide a secure, transparent and fully integrated end-to-end process. It will allow applicants to submit applications, track their status and receive approvals remotely, a move aimed at improving efficiency while strengthening regulatory oversight and investor confidence in line with existing laws.
The press release stated that the directive applies to the general public, employers, investors, diplomatic missions and all non-nationals living and working in Sierra Leone.
Authorities urged all non-nationals to regularize their immigration status without delay and called on employers to fully cooperate to ensure a lawful, orderly and transparent immigration and labour management system. The Government warned that failure to comply could result in interrupted travel, violations of the law and penalties.
The Government further noted that individuals affected by the temporary moratorium on permit processing between 13 November and 31 December 2025 are now required to apply for or renew their permits through the digital platform.
In addition, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, working with relevant enforcement agencies, announced plans to commence nationwide compliance inspections across workplaces and institutions.
The Government stated that non-nationals residing or working in Sierra Leone unlawfully, as well as employers found in breach of the law, will face penalties in accordance with existing legislation.
For applications, the Government directed applicants to complete the process online at the official Unified Permits Platform website, [https://unifiedpermit.gov.sl] (https://unifiedpermit.gov.sl).
Further information, according to the press release, can be obtained through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security via its official contact line.
The Government said the rollout of the Unified Digital Platform represents a significant step toward modernizing permit administration and improving service delivery within Sierra Leone’s immigration and labour systems.
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