Freetown, 15th May 2025__The Parliament of Sierra Leone has last week approved a contract to develop a Digital Unified E-Resident and Work Permit System for the country.
Led by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID), the initiative seeks to fully digitize the acquisition, possession, and renewal of resident and work permits. By replacing manual processes, the system will improve service delivery and curb permit-related fraud and inefficiencies. It also strongly aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s digital transformation agenda and supports the implementation of the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030.
The unified e-permit system promises significant economic and administrative benefits for Sierra Leone. It will facilitate better service delivery and foster economic growth by enhancing regulatory compliance, reducing processing times, and improving revenue collection. Additionally, the introduction of biometric electronic cards for permits will further strengthen data security and streamline user access, setting a new standard for digital governance in the country.
Following a compelling speech by the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Parliament on Thursday rigorously scrutinized the contract before unanimously giving its approval. Minister Swaray explained to the lawmakers that the country currently lacks a digital system to verify, track, or enforce compliance regarding permits.
“This platform fills that gap with automation, real-time access, and transparency,” he said, adding that the system will integrate with the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA)’s registered foreigner database, enforce skills transfer, and prioritize Sierra Leonean employment.
He emphasized that no stakeholder was left out—from the Attorney-General’s Office to the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, and the Office of the Chief Minister, all of whom contributed to the contract’s legal, technical, and policy compliances, respectively.
The contract, signed with Constrat Systems Ltd., will be implemented under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, spanning 15 years, with reviews every five years. During this period, Constrat Systems will develop and co-manage the unified digital platform, ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building within government institutions before eventually handing over full control to the Government of Sierra Leone.
Constrat Systems Ltd. is a Sierra Leonean IT firm, currently managing the printing of the country’s National ID Card under a contract with the NCRA.
The unified e-resident and work permit contract was officially signed by the Labour Minister, the Internal Affairs Minister, and the Managing Director of Constrat Systems. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice witnessed the signing.
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