Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department has withdrawn a directive issued yesterday that had sparked confusion over possible new verification requirements for foreign nationals travelling through Freetown International Airport.
In a statement dated May 8, the department said an earlier instruction issued on May 7 by the Head of Immigration at the airport regarding biometric residence and work permit checks had been withdrawn and replaced.
It said there were “no changes to current immigration entry procedures” for arriving passengers, adding that existing visa rules, visa-free arrangements and visa-on-arrival policies remain in force.
The revised notice maintained that foreign nationals resident in Sierra Leone must present a valid biometric residence permit or, where unavailable, a valid visa.
Airlines operating at Freetown International Airport were also encouraged to verify, before check-in and boarding, that non-national residents departing the country hold valid residence permits. The department said the measure was aimed at improving compliance and reducing delays.
The reversal followed confusion triggered by the initial directive, which appeared to signal tighter enforcement measures and prompted questions from airlines and travellers over whether new requirements had been introduced without prior notice.
The issue has also drawn political attention. Opposition lawmaker Hon. Abdul Kargbo criticised the earlier instruction, which reportedly warned airlines that failure to ensure passengers carried valid residence and work permits could result in a US$3,000 fine on the “defaulting flight”.
He questioned the legal basis for the proposed penalties, saying no law, regulation or statutory instrument was cited. He also argued that airlines are not responsible for authenticating immigration documents, which he said falls under the remit of immigration authorities.
Kargbo further raised concerns over whether airport-based immigration officials had authority to issue binding directives to international carriers, saying such measures would typically require approval from senior national authorities.
The swift reversal has highlighted broader questions around coordination and communication within Sierra Leone’s immigration system.
