Under the dynamic, charismatic, and result-oriented personality in the person of Hon. Alusine Kanneh, who serves as the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) has officially unveiled brand new security uniforms for its personnel to enable identity and enhance security, amongst others.
Giving his welcome address, Hon. Alusine Kanneh expressed that “the unveiling of the new uniforms was more than a change of appearance – it is a transformation of their identity. These uniforms symbolise a modern, professional and dynamic Sierra Leone Immigration Department that is equipped to face the challenges of today’s world.”*
“A uniform is not just a fabric; it is a badge of honour, authority, and responsibility. It reflects our discipline, unity, and trust that the people of Sierra Leone have imposed on us.”
He continued that the uniforms were a reminder of integrity, vigilance and the values staff hold to serve the nation.
While noting that the Immigration Department is a gatekeeper of Sierra Leone’s borders, tasked with safeguarding the sovereignty, maintaining law and order at points of entry, and facilitating the smooth movement of people for economic growth and national development, the CIO said the Immigration Department is at the very heart of the nation’s security apparatus.
He emphasised that in just a year of his administration, he has made significant progress in modernising the institution, enhancing its operational capacity, and building more agile immigration officers.
The CIO highlighted that, together with the management, they have implemented comprehensive administrative reforms to streamline operations, improve transparency, and promote accountability by reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
He said the Sierra Leone Immigration Department is now better equipped to deliver services more swiftly, effectively, and efficiently.
Hon. Alusine Kanneh disclosed that arrangements are well advanced to decentralise the processing of passports by the end of November 2024 in the three major District Headquarter towns: Kenema District (Eastern region), Bo District (Southern region), and Bombali District (North East region).
The CIO ended by disclosing that the rollout would be extended to two of their foreign missions in London, United Kingdom, and Washington D.C., United States of America.
The Secretary to the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, spoke on the role of immigration and border management. He expressed that the unveiling of the uniforms was a testament and dedication of the current leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio towards immigration service. He said the unveiling of the uniforms plays a significant role in national peace and security.
Dr. Gaima mentioned that the role of immigration is to impose effective border management and enhance the national security of the state. He added that immigration is viewed as common management by a few, but for the majority of their compatriot, immigration is simply an entity that issues passports and travel documents.
Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President, the Local Government Minister, Tamba Lamina, pointed out that “immigration officers serve as a representative of a nation to foreigners. Their uniforms include national symbols, colours, badge, and promoting the country’s identity and values”. He continued that these symbolic representations can leave a positive impression on visitors and contribute to a strong national image.
The occasion was graced by Lieutenant General Peter Kakowou Lavahun – the Chief of Defense Staff, Inspector General Fayai Sellu – Inspector General of Police, Fanda Turay – Minster of Transport, K. O Bah – Head of Public Service Commission, Ansu Tucker – Human Resource Management Office, and Abdulai Caulker – Coordinator of the Office of National Security.
