AYV News, January 29, 2026
At the 3rd Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Mohamed Rahman Swaray, presented a national model for transforming employment policy into immediate, actionable pathways for workers in Sierra Leone in an era of rapid change.
Addressing an international audience of Ministers, Policy-Makers and Experts, Minister Swaray conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and detailed Sierra Leone’s bold approach, emphasising that employment interventions succeed when they are “evidence-driven, coordinated, and built for action.”
Minister Swaray highlighted a comprehensive overhaulof the country’s labour framework. “We have updated labour laws to be responsive to issues like workplace inclusion, occupational safety, and the protection of workers’ rights,” he stated. Central to this modernization is the Sierra Leone Labour Market Information System (SL-LMIS), which shifts planning from estimates to evidence-based decision-making by tracking jobs across sectors in Sierra Leone.
Furthering its digital drive, the government has fully digitized the process for obtaining work and residence permits, creating a system described as “faster, transparent, and accessible across the globe.”
Additionally, Minister Swaray pointed to the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which mandates 30% women in all elective positions. To build a sustainable women empowerment drive, the government funds a scholarship scheme for all female university students pursuing STEM courses. “This is to ensure that women, who form the bulk of our population, are not left behind in decision-making processes,” he affirmed.
Recognising that most citizens work informally, Swaray informed the gathering that legislation to extend social protection to the informal sector which aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 102, is currently before Parliament. “This legislation will reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to shocks,” he explained.
On the global stage, the minister addressed the critical issue of labour migration, referencing bilateral agreements Sierra Leone has signed to ensure safe, regular and orderly movement. He issued a firm reminder: “Migrant workers’ rights are human rights.” He called on receiving countries to respect these rights, noting it is “a matter of great concern,” while committing Sierra Leone to better preparing its citizens for foreign labour markets.
The minister credited the ILO’s tripartite approach; engaging government, employers, and workers, as key to developing effective national policies. He concluded by highlighting the necessity of cross-border cooperation. “Labour markets do not stop at national borders,” Swaray said, advocating for transparent mobility frameworks and skills recognition to match supply with demand in “orderly, fair, and mutually beneficial” ways.
The Conference ended on 27th January 2026 and Sierra Leone is poised to advance Labour laws that are not only locally suited but meet international benchmarks.
