Under the esteemed leadership of the Chief Immigration Officer, a dedicated team successfully concluded a momentous two-day induction ceremony for 115 newly recruited Immigration Staff on July 11-12, 2024.
In his address, the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanne, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the 115 newly recruited Immigration Staff, marking the commencement of a two-day induction training program. He described the event as the start of a significant journey for both the recruits and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department. As the Chief Immigration Officer, he expressed his distinct honor to address the recruits at such a pivotal moment. “We’re thrilled to have you with us”.
Hon. Alusine Kanneh reminded everyone that he assumed office as the Chief Immigration Officer on 3 August 2023. He disclosed that his institution had over three hundred (300) volunteers and auxiliary staff, some of whom had volunteered for over ten (10) years.
*“On Monday, 25th September 2023, we asked that all volunteers and auxiliary staff stop working to regularize your statuses by being gainfully employed as permanent and pensionable officers in the Sierra Leone Civil Service”, he said.
The Chief Immigration Officer thanked the leadership of the Human Resource Management Office’, especially the Director General, for his support in ensuring that one hundred and fifteen (115) volunteers have been absorbed into the Civil Service.
*“Please note that we choose you amongst others because we believe that your skills, experience, and creativity will have a real impact on our team.”*
*”We’re incredibly excited to welcome you to the Immigration Family. We’re eager to witness the positive and productive impact your skills, experience, and creativity will have on our team. You have been selected to join our ranks because of your exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with this vital role as either an Immigration Assistant, Border Guard, or Office Assistant”, he added.
He intimated to the recruits that Sierra Leone’s success depends on their work to protect the borders, ensure the lawful entry of individuals, and uphold the principles of security and justice. He affirmed that the recruit’s crucial role could not be overstated.
Chief Alusine Kanneh acknowledged that the induction training was designed to equip the recruits with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to perform their duties effectively and ethically. He assured that the recruits would be introduced to the laws and regulations governing immigration, the procedures for handling various situations at the border, and most importantly, the Civil Service Codes, Regulations, and Rules. “Moreover. you will learn about the human aspect of your job to approach your duties with integrity, honesty, empathy. respect, and fairness”.
*“Remember, you are not just enforcing rules but representing our country and its values. Your actions and decisions will impact countless individuals’ lives and contribute to our society’s safety and well-being. It is a tremendous responsibility, but I have full confidence in your ability to rise to the occasion”, he concluded.
The Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Amadu Bah, also welcomed the newly recruited Immigration officers into the department and re-echoed the need for change, admonishing them not to misuse the opportunity given to them.
He spoke about the national migration policy. He said the key condition in that document is for the institution to become an autonomous agency. He stated that the Chief Immigration Officer has made a massive difference in the institution, adding that they are heading in the right direction, and hopefully, by next year, they would see a difference.
“Another key document I have worked with over the years was the strategic plan they developed. The strategic plan has three key objectives, one of which is to complete the national migration policy. Another key objective is improving core service and digitalizing operations, particularly around resident permits. The other area in the strategic plan that is very important is building up our capacity. And having you in the system is about part of that objective,” he highlighted.
The Director of Training and Career Development in the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Mathew Beacon, recalled that years ago, he walked into the Immigration Department and met with the former Director of Administration and Finance, Soriba and asked him what should he do to do promotion and to recruit people. He told him that the first thing he should do is conduct a management and functional review.
He expressed elation that the newly recruited Immigration Officers had made up to join the Immigration Department. He expressed optimism that many of the recruits were starting a new job. He urged the recruits that the Immigration Department expects them to perform and deliver to the expectations of the civil service.
He pointed out that the orientation program was to help them acquaint themselves with the work of the civil service and the Immigration Department.
He clarified for the recruits to take full advantage of the positive presentations from the Immigration Department and the HRMO. He further encouraged them to ask questions and warned them to respect the civil service guidelines.
Credit – Communications Specialist, Office of the Chief Immigration Officer
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, July 15th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)