Freetown, April 7, 2026 — The Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed that, effective April 1, 2026, biometric residence and work permit cards are now the only legally recognized documents for non-nationals living and working in the country.
The move follows a transition period announced in January, during which non-nationals were given 45 days, later extended by one month, to replace paper-based permits with biometric cards. Authorities say the grace period has ended, and no further extensions will be granted.
Nationwide enforcement is already underway. Verification checks are being conducted at airports, border entry points, workplaces, and through field inspections. Non-compliance could result in denial of entry or exit, administrative sanctions, penalties, or revocation of residency and work authorization. Employers are also reminded that hiring individuals without valid biometric permits constitutes a violation of national regulations.
To ease compliance, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, alongside the Immigration Department, has set up offices in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Kono, and Port Loko. Trained personnel are available to assist applicants, while renewals and verifications can also be completed online via the official portal: www.unifiedpermit.gov.si.
Officials say the biometric system is designed to strengthen transparency, security, and efficiency in migration management. “The transition period has concluded, and no further extensions are anticipated,” the government emphasized, urging all non-nationals and employers to regularize their status immediately.
For further information, the public is advised to contact the Commissioner of Labour at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
