With the dynamic leadership of the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department has for the very first time in the history of the institution commenced induction training for staff to help the running of the immigration department effectively.
At the opening ceremony of the induction training, the Director of Training, AIG Sahr Senesie, welcomed staff from the Immigration Department and called on them to be professional while carrying on the training exercise.
He maintained that the Immigration Department is one of the key state institutions in the country thus it is necessary to conduct important induction training for staff.
Speaking during the induction training, the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh praised the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for displaying professionalism in state security. He said immigration department is one of the key state institutions that have been neglected by governments over the years. Therefore, under his current leadership, people now see the department as one of the key state institutions that focuses on border management for people who go in and out of the country.
He said the induction training strives to formulate strategic plans on career development of immigration staff through organizing recruitment activities, making strategic staff posting arrangements, managing staff performance, and identifying training needs for all service staff.
“The induction training also reviews the overall staff deployment plan to meet the operational needs.”
Launching the induction training, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG), Aiah Edward Samadia, said the Immigration Department plays a critical role in the security sector in the country, noting that with such training the Immigration Department will now be a disciplinary institution.
He opined that over the years, the Immigration Department has experienced many challenges. Notwithstanding, he said these challenges are now coming to the past with the current leadership of the Chief Immigration Officer.
“The training curriculum is a combination of theories and practices, covering areas of laws, immigration policies and procedures, as well as the functions and organisation of the department.”
Particular emphasis is placed on nourishing a strong sense of discipline and developing commitment to serve the public effectively and efficiently.
Other training includes foot drill, tactical training, physical fitness, first aid, etc. During the training, the management and leadership skills of Immigration Officers are further strengthened through management workshops, supervision exercises, and leadership training camps.
Credit – Communications Specialist, Office of the Chief Immigration Officer.