By Bobor Dan Kamara
The Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Hon. Alusine Kanneh, has announced that passport processing would be decentralized to key headquarter towns, making the service accessible to all and sundry.
Hon. Kanneh asserted that the decentralization of passport service is in accordance with the broader strategy to modernize and improve the efficiency of the immigration department.
The CIO further announced that by the end of November 2024, the processing of passport will be available at Kenema (Eastern region, Bo (Southern region), and Bombali (Northeastern region). “Taking the service to the district headquarter towns does not only reduce the burden to travel all the way to Freetown but also appears convenient and less burdensome,” he said.
Hon. Kanneh also revealed their pursuit to extend passport processing in London and Washington DC will commence early 2025, catering for Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora, easing the burden of travelling back home to get their passports done.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of where they live, have equal access to the services they need. This decentralization effort represents a step forward in achieving that vision,” said CIO.
Hon. Kanneh further stated that they will do more to make the Sierra Leone Immigration Department provide convenient and streamlined services to the public.
Matta Vandy, a resident of Bo District, said the move is a milestone achievement towards the decentralization policy of Sierra Leone, calling on other government departments to follow suit.
The Party extended its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Samura Kamara for his dedicated service and commitment and is looking forward to his continued involvement in the APC following the examples of other former leaders who had contributed to the Party in varied and meaningful ways.
