The leadership of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) held a successful and productive meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the UNDP Hall, Freetown. The meeting was convened to present SLIS’s Strategic Plan of Action and submit a proposal for funding, technical collaboration, and partnership to implement the 2026-2030 strategic plan.
In his opening statement, the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., disclosed that SLID conducted a public perception survey which helped to make them take an informed decision. The findings revealed that the public largely lacked trust in SLIS staff and services, primarily due to corruption and unprofessionalism. He emphasized that restoring public trust is central to the Service’s reform agenda.
During a detailed PowerPoint presentation, the CIO outlined the strategic plan around four thematic areas;
*Service Excellence & Process Re-engineering*
- *Integrity & Ethics*
- *Digitalization*
- *Regimental Transformation*
CIO Tiffa identified several operational challenges affecting border security and proposed concrete areas for collaboration. The CIO further stated that SLIS is currently reviewing its legislation and noted a critical gap: “There is no proper state authority charged with the legislative mandate of border governance and security. That is why SLIS is asking in our new legislation to be charged with the sole responsibility for border management and security. All other agencies are support actors in achieving this goal because Immigration is the gatekeeper responsible for the migration of individuals across the nation.”
Dr. Baio Esq., also affirmed SLIS’s commitment to align with the national security architecture, with priority-focus on border security. He observed that neighboring Mano River Union countries are experiencing similar challenges, creating opportunities for regional cooperation.
“We want to transform SLIS into a trusted, professional, and digitally-driven service. We will appreciate UNDP’s support in Border Management & Security and Mobility to deliver effectively at our porous borders,” the CIO added.
UNDP representatives commended SLIS for the clarity of the plan and agreed to deepen engagement on priority areas of mutual interest.
Credit – Media and Public Relations Unit
Sierra Leone Immigration Department
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wenesday, 24th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
