The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has temporarily suspended all overseas recruitment activities linked to the Guinea route with immediate effect.
In a public notice issued today from its New England Ville headquarters, the Ministry said the decision follows allegations that some private employment agencies and unidentified individuals have been using the Guinea route to facilitate the travel of Sierra Leoneans for overseas jobs.
The Ministry stated that it is taking the reports seriously and has launched investigations to establish the facts. It aims to ensure that the recruitment and deployment of Sierra Leonean workers comply fully with national laws, regulations and approved procedures.
A press conference is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 14 September 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room. Officials will provide further details on the reported activities involving Guinea and update the public on measures being implemented.
All currently licensed Overseas Recruitment Agencies have been directed to report to the Ministry for verification of their overseas recruitment activities. They must submit relevant documents covering the recruitment, processing and deployment of Sierra Leonean workers and are required to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
The public has been strongly advised against engaging with any agency or individual offering overseas recruitment or employment opportunities that involve the Guinea route for as long as the suspension remains in force.
Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses.
The suspension comes against a backdrop of earlier government warnings. In August 2026, authorities clarified that Sierra Leoneans are not banned from legitimate travel or transit through Guinea provided they hold valid documents and meet immigration and security requirements. However, restrictions apply to those seeking to use the route for overseas employment outside official procedures, amid concerns raised by Guinean authorities over irregular migration, suspected human trafficking and unverified job arrangements. The Ministry has repeatedly urged citizens to verify overseas employment offers through licensed channels before travelling.
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