Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Hon. Alusine Kanneh, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID), has officially unveiled brand new security uniforms for its personnel to enable them to enhance security, amongst others.
Given his welcome address, Hon. Alusine Kanneh said the unveiling of the new uniforms was more than a change of appearance-it is a transformation of their identity. These uniforms, he added, symbolize 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 reposed in us.”
“For our officers,” he continued, that it was a reminder of the values they hold dear-integrity. Vigilance and service to the nation. He said the Immigration Department is at the very heart of the nation’s security apparatus.
He noted 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.
He emphasized that in just a year of his administration, he has made significant progress in modernizing the institution, enhancing their operational capacity, and building more agile immigration officers.
He highlighted that he has implemented comprehensive administrative reforms to streamline their operations, improve transparency, and promote accountability by reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. He said they are now better equipped to deliver services more swiftly in an effective and efficient manner.
He disclosed that arrangements are well advanced to decentralize to roll out 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).
CIO also further disclosed that the rollout will be extended to two of their foreign missions in London, United Kingdom, and Washington D.C., United States of America, in early 2024.
Secretary to President. Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, spoke on the role of immigration and border management. He said the conveying of the unveiling of the uniform is 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 played a quiet significant role in national peace and security.
He 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 a common management by a few, but the majority of their compatriot immigrants is simply an entity that issues passports and travel documents.
Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President, Tamba Lamina, Local Government Minister, pointed out that immigration officers served as a representative of a nation to foreigners. Their uniforms include national symbols. colors and badge, and promoting the country’s identity and values.
These symbolic representations he added, can live a positive impression on visitors contributing to a strong and national image.
Credit
Communications Specialist Office of the Chief Immigration Officer