By Forum staff writer
Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward decentralising immigration services with the official opening of the first Eastern Region office of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Kenema.
The new facility was formally inaugurated by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. Assistant Inspector General Morie Lengor Esq., who described the development as a key milestone in improving access to immigration services across the country.
The office forms part of the government’s ongoing rollout of the Unified Permit system, an initiative designed to streamline Resident and Work Permit processes. The reform aims to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen compliance with immigration regulations nationwide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the minister said the establishment of the Kenema office reflects the government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people. He noted that decentralisation is critical in addressing long standing challenges faced by applicants who previously had to travel to Freetown for immigration related services.
He added that the Unified Permit initiative is expected to simplify procedures by integrating multiple processes into a single, coordinated system. This, he said, will not only improve service delivery but also support national development by making it easier for businesses and individuals to operate within the legal framework.
The new office in Kenema will provide a broader range of immigration services to residents of the Eastern Region, including processing of Resident and Work Permits. Officials say this will significantly reduce waiting times and improve overall customer experience.
Authorities also confirmed that the Kenema office is the first of several regional facilities planned under the decentralisation programme. Similar offices are expected to be opened in Bo, Kono, Makeni, and Port Loko in the coming months.
In addition, corresponding offices under the Ministry of Employment Labour and Social Security will be established alongside the immigration centres to ensure a more coordinated approach to labour and migration management.
Stakeholders believe the expansion of immigration services across the regions will strengthen monitoring systems and improve compliance, particularly in relation to foreign employment and residency regulations.
The move is also seen as a boost to regional economic activity, as easier access to permits is expected to attract investment and support local businesses that rely on foreign expertise.
Residents in Kenema and surrounding districts have welcomed the development, describing it as timely and necessary. Many expressed optimism that the new office will reduce travel costs and administrative challenges previously associated with accessing immigration services.
With the opening of the Kenema office, the government signals a renewed focus on efficiency, accessibility, and institutional reform in the delivery of public services across Sierra Leone.
