Labour Minister Engages Overseas Private Recruitment Agencies on Future Prospects

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, alongside his deputy, Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Joseph Tekman Kanu, and the Acting Commissioner of Labour, Chiblee Francis Kamara, held an interactive session with owners of Overseas Private Recruitment Agencies (PRAs) to set a collaborative tone for the year, explore the challenges faced by PRAs, and discuss the path forward in overseas recruitment deployment.

In his address, Minister Swaray emphasized the importance of understanding the hurdles faced by the agencies and encouraged open dialogue. He highlighted his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, expressing his commitment to meeting deployed migrants to assess their welfare firsthand. This, he noted, is crucial for ensuring that the ministry is fully aligned with the realities faced by Sierra Leonean workers abroad.

The Minister announced that going forward, the licenses of PRAs that have not conducted any recruitments will not be renewed, stressing the need for active engagement in their operations. He also admonished the commissioner’s office to ensure that bank statements are obtained from licensed PRAs to verify the availability of surety funds, emphasizing financial security and accountability.

To foster growth and improve service delivery, he encouraged the agencies to consider mergers and consolidate resources to secure larger contracts. He also highlighted the importance of being business-minded and leveraging collective strengths for greater impact. Additionally, PRAs were advised to intensify their recruitment campaigns across the country, enhancing visibility through media engagements to build credibility and attract potential recruits.

The meeting sets a foundation for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and PRAs, aiming to improve the recruitment landscape and ensure the well-being of Sierra Leoneans seeking overseas employment opportunities.

Credit : Information Unit

*Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.