Over Recruitment of 28 Sierra Leoneans to Qatar… Labor Ministry Slams 5 Days Ultimatum On Malador Travel Agency
By John Kelly Marah
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has issued a public notice expressing concern over the alleged recruitment and transportation of 28 Sierra Leoneans to Qatar under questionable circumstances.
According to the notice, the Ministry was informed by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Qatar that a travel agency identified as Malador Travel Agency, in collaboration with certain Sierra Leoneans residing in Qatar, recruited the individuals under the pretext of securing employment opportunities for them in the Gulf state.
The Ministry stated that it views the matter with utmost seriousness, noting that such actions expose vulnerable Sierra Leoneans to significant risks relating to their safety, legal status, and financial security. Authorities further stressed that the alleged conduct constitutes a direct breach of ethical recruitment standards governing private employment agencies.
As part of its response, the Ministry has summoned the agency and granted it five working days to remedy the situation by submitting duly authenticated employment contracts for each of the 28 Sierra Leoneans reportedly transported to Qatar. Failure to comply, the Ministry warned, could result in the immediate repatriation of the affected workers and the suspension or revocation of the agency’s operating licence.
The Ministry disclosed that it is working closely with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Qatar to ensure that the rights, welfare, and protection of the affected migrants are safeguarded.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe, orderly, regular, and dignified labour migration, the Ministry also revealed concerns over reports that some agencies and individuals have been recruiting Sierra Leoneans for overseas employment in Russia and other conflict zones around the world.
The Government of Sierra Leone emphasized that it strongly disapproves of citizens migrating abroad for employment, particularly in the defence sector, through unauthorized programmes that could endanger their lives.
The public notice serves as a warning to all persons and agencies engaged in unlawful overseas recruitment practices to cease such activities immediately or face legal action.
The Ministry reiterated its determination to protect Sierra Leoneans seeking employment opportunities abroad, while ensuring that all recruitment processes comply with national laws and international labour standards.
