By Sorie Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security said a Chinese national will be deported and barred from re-entering the country following allegations that he assaulted a local worker at an industrial site near the capital.
The ministry said it opened an investigation after receiving a complaint from Algassimu Barrie, an employee of KK Company in Mile Six, on the outskirts of Freetown.
According to the ministry, company management confirmed that the accused, identified as Lin Zhang, kicked Barrie after accusing him of stealing company property. It added that additional injuries sustained by the worker were allegedly inflicted by local security personnel.
The ministry said the decision to deport the employee forms part of efforts to enforce labour laws and protect workers’ rights.
Incidents involving disputes between foreign employees and local workers have periodically drawn public attention in Sierra Leone, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and mining where foreign-owned or managed companies operate.
Labour rights groups have in recent years called for stricter enforcement of workplace standards, citing concerns over alleged abuse, poor working conditions and unequal treatment of local employees.
The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to ensuring that foreign investment complies with national labour regulations, while balancing the need to attract international businesses.
Officials say cases of alleged misconduct are investigated on an individual basis, and actions such as deportation may be taken where violations are confirmed.
The ministry did not indicate whether further legal action would be pursued against those involved, but said it would continue to monitor compliance with labour standards across the sector.
