By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS) of Sierra Leone has revoked the overseas recruitment licenses of two prominent agencies—Obinana (SL) Limited and Daresallam Travelling & Employment Recruitment Agency (SL) Limited—due to their violations of the Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act of 2023. The public notice, dated January 21, 2025, announced the cancellation, effective from January 13, 2025.
This decisive action marks a significant step by the Ministry in safeguarding Sierra Leonean migrant workers against exploitative and unethical practices by recruitment agencies. The two affected agencies, Obinana (SL) Limited, located at No. 6 Main Motor Road in Waterloo, and Daresallam Travelling & Employment Recruitment Agency (SL) Limited, situated on Jui Highway, have been found to be in breach of specific legal provisions established to regulate the conduct of recruitment businesses.
The announcement has sent a strong message to recruitment agencies operating in the country, emphasizing the government’s zero tolerance for non-compliance and its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Sierra Leonean workers seeking employment abroad.
The Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act of 2023 was designed to regulate recruitment processes and ensure that agencies operate in line with the highest ethical standards. The Act provides protection for migrant workers against fraud, exploitation, and abuse while abroad. The Ministry’s notice has called on prospective migrant workers to be cautious and to refrain from engaging with the aforementioned agencies.
The notice further urged citizens to:
- Engage only with recruitment agencies that hold valid overseas recruitment licenses.
- Verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies and job offers through the Ministry before proceeding with any arrangements.
This approach underscores the Ministry’s proactive stance in ensuring the well-being of Sierra Leoneans and preventing potential exploitation.
The cancellation of the licenses has sparked a broader conversation about the accountability of recruitment agencies in Sierra Leone. It serves as a wake-up call for the industry to adhere strictly to established regulations. Recruitment agencies are being reminded that their operations must align with the guidelines of the Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act.
The revocation of licenses for Obinana (SL) Limited and Daresallam Travelling & Employment Recruitment Agency (SL) Limited has brought attention to the critical need for oversight and enforcement in the recruitment sector. Many workers rely on these agencies for access to employment opportunities abroad, but lapses in compliance can lead to devastating consequences for those who are left unprotected.
The Ministry’s notice has also urged Sierra Leoneans to exercise due diligence in their interactions with recruitment agencies. It has reiterated that individuals bear full responsibility for any adverse outcomes if they fail to adhere to the Ministry’s warnings. This clause highlights the shared responsibility between the government and the public in fostering a safe and transparent recruitment process.
As part of its broader efforts, the Ministry is expected to introduce more rigorous monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance by recruitment agencies. This will likely involve regular audits, stricter licensing requirements, and harsher penalties for violations.
The cancellation of these licenses reflects the government’s broader commitment to addressing issues of exploitation and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s migrant workers are treated fairly. It is a move that demonstrates the Ministry’s resolve to enforce accountability and to work towards the development of a transparent and ethical recruitment framework.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in verifying the legitimacy of agencies before engaging in employment arrangements. The Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security continues to champion the rights of Sierra Leonean workers, ensuring that their safety and dignity are upheld both at home and abroad.
