PPG-SL Interview Hon. Rado Swarray Vows Overhaul of Work and Residency Permit System
By Abdul Rahman Bah
In an enlightening interview with PPG-SL on Thursday, May 8, 2025, held within the historic walls of the Sierra Leone Parliament building, Hon. Mohamed Rado Swarray, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, laid out his ambitious vision to revolutionise the nation’s antiquated work and residency permit system. He revealed that since Sierra Leone achieved its independence in 1961, the permitting process had remained untouched by modern technology, leading to a long-standing inability to effectively track foreign workers and manage the complexities of permit expirations.
Hon. Swarray detailed the government’s newly initiated extensive digitisation campaign, designed to inject much-needed structure, security, and efficiency into the permit management process. Through a rigorous competitive procurement process, the contract was awarded to Constant Assisted Limited, a decision that has now been ratified into law. He emphasised that without the essential approval from parliament, the implementation of these reforms would have been impossible, reinforcing the importance of a legal framework for such transformative measures.
The initiative is not merely confined to urban areas; it is designed to extend logistical support to underserved regions across the country. Plans for the deployment of motorbikes and vehicles are already underway to ensure no area is overlooked. The minister passionately voiced how this transformative system will not only enhance permit management but also bolster national security by improving data control and enhancing tracking capabilities.
A key aspect of the reform includes a comprehensive training program for personnel, alongside the establishment of a revenue-sharing mechanism. Swarray noted the striking turnaround from generating no revenue in the past to amassing over 23 billion Leones by the end of 2023. He condemned previous contracts that disproportionately favoured contractors, affirming that his administration is devoted to principles of equity, transparency, and accountability.
In a landmark move, the project will be decentralised, ensuring its reach extends to regions such as Kenema, Makeni, Bo, and Port Loko. Hon. Swarray called upon civil society and the media to join forces in supporting this transformative initiative, underscoring the collective responsibility required to propel the nation towards progress.
In his heartfelt closing remarks, he reflected on the honour of serving the public, eloquently stating, “Out of eight million people, to be given the chance to serve is a special privilege.” He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to fostering genuine and lasting change for the people of Sierra Leone, igniting hope for a brighter future.
