By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone and Lebanon have reaffirmed their long-standing friendship with renewed efforts to enhance labour cooperation and ensure better protection for migrant workers. This was the key outcome of a high-level bilateral meeting between Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray and Lebanon’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Mohammad Haidar, held on October 16, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers, bringing together labour leaders from across the Muslim world to discuss strategies for decent work, fair recruitment and social justice.
During the discussions, the two Ministers explored ways to formalize cooperation through a Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) aimed at promoting ethical recruitment, decent working conditions and the protection of Sierra Leonean workers in Lebanon. Both sides agreed to develop a clear roadmap toward establishing the agreement, which will serve as a model for fair and mutually beneficial labour relations.
Mohamed Rahman Swaray expressed deep appreciation to the Lebanese Government for its continued support and compassion toward Sierra Leoneans, especially during the recent crisis in Lebanon. He emphasized that such gestures of solidarity reflect the strong historical and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Highlighting the need for structured and transparent labour migration, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray proposed the creation of a joint digital database system to regulate migration flows, track workers and monitor their welfare. The platform, he noted, will enhance both Governments’ capacity to address irregular migration, improve data sharing and safeguard the rights of all Sierra Leonean workers in Lebanon.
In response, Dr. Mohammad Haidar welcomed the proposal, assuring his counterpart of Lebanon’s commitment to deepening cooperation and ensuring fair treatment for all migrant workers. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of Sierra Leonean workers to Lebanon’s labour force and expressed optimism about the positive outcomes the new partnership would bring.
The two Ministers concluded the meeting with a strong commitment to finalize the Bilateral Labour Agreement in the coming months, describing it as a “win-win initiative” that will strengthen labour governance and improve the welfare of workers from both countries.
Over the years, Sierra Leone and Lebanon have shared enduring economic, social and cultural connections. Lebanese businesses have contributed to Sierra Leone’s economy, while many Sierra Leoneans have found employment and educational opportunities in Lebanon. The new labour framework seeks to build upon this shared history by ensuring that migration becomes safer, more structured and mutually beneficial.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohamed Rahman Swaray reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s determination to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad.
“This partnership with Lebanon represents a renewed chapter in our labour diplomacy. It is about fairness, dignity and shared progress,” he said.
The outcome of the meeting marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible labour migration, strengthen international cooperation and protect the rights of its migrant workers across the globe.
