Sierra Leone to Accept Only ECOWAS Nationals Without Criminal Records Under US Deal - Minister Bah

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has clarified that only ECOWAS nationals without criminal records will be accepted under Sierra Leone’s Third-Country National Agreement with the United States, stressing that the arrangement is guided by strict eligibility criteria.

Speaking at the Lungi Civic Day Townhall, Minister Bah said the agreement forms part of broader international migration arrangements similar to those the United States maintains with several countries, but noted that Sierra Leone’s version includes specific safeguards.

He explained that individuals with violent criminal records will not be accepted under the arrangement, adding that this condition was clearly agreed upon with the United States Government.

“But for Sierra Leone, our agreement is unique. We won’t take everybody,” he said.

Minister Bah further stated that the arrangement applies specifically to ECOWAS nationals who attempted to migrate to the United States but were unsuccessful.

He added that ECOWAS citizens are permitted to stay in Sierra Leone for up to 90 days under regional protocols, after which they become subject to the country’s immigration laws.

According to him, the agreement is based on clearly defined conditions agreed upon by both parties.

The clarification outlines the key terms governing Sierra Leone’s participation in the Third-Country National Agreement with the United States, particularly the restriction to non-criminal ECOWAS nationals and the application of standard immigration rules after the permitted stay period.