Immigration Department Holds Strategic Retreat to Foster Modern, Secure Service

Immigration Department Holds Strategic Retreat to Foster Modern, Secure Service

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, hosted a five-day intensive strategic retreat in Kenema.

The Government of Sierra Leone, via the Immigration Department, conducted the five-day intensive strategic retreat training at Hotel Albertson in Kenema. The objective of the retreat was to strengthen and foster a modern, secure, service-oriented, and nationally integrated immigration office that effectively manages borders, facilitates legitimate travel and commerce, and upholds the dignity and sovereignty of Sierra Leone.

The training convened key personnel from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). According to the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., the retreat focused on strengthening the department to foster a modern, secure, service-oriented, and nationally integrated immigration office that effectively manages borders, facilitates legitimate travel and commerce, and upholds the dignity and sovereignty of Sierra Leone. He also confirmed the decentralization of immigration services across the country, with Kenema designated as the first regional headquarters to benefit from a full range of immigration services.

"We are working relentlessly as a department to achieve this landmark accomplishment in a short period," Dr. Baio stated.

In his keynote address, the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Morie Lengor, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone for its continued support and reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to national development by bolstering strong security across the nation.

Participants from all key branches of the Immigration Department acquired knowledge from expert facilitators who conducted the sessions.

The key inspirational sessions discussed were:

• Building an Ethical Culture in Public Service Delivery – Presented by a representative from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

• Use of Digital Technology in the Management of Foreign Nationals – Presented by CONSTRAT.

• Use of Digital Technology in Passport Production – Presented by Netpage.

• Digital Transformation in Border Management – Presented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

• Best Practices in the Use of Digital Technology in Border Management – Presented by the Geographic Information Service (GIS).

During the retreat, the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio, hosted an official dinner for all present participants to motivate staff of the Immigration Department and other key stakeholders in attendance. Awards and recognition were presented to long-serving contributors.

The retreat concluded on Friday with an interactive session and dialogue involving a senior consortium from Ghana, Liberia, and other attending dignitaries.