Labour Ministry Summons Malador Travel Agency Over Recruitment of 28 Sierra Leoneans for Jobs in Qatar
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has summoned Malador Travel Agency following allegations that the company recruited 28 Sierra Leoneans under the pretext of securing employment opportunities in Qatar.
In a public notice, the Ministry said it had been informed by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Qatar that the agency, working in collaboration with certain Sierra Leoneans residing in the Gulf state, facilitated the travel of the workers without providing duly authenticated employment contracts.
The Ministry described the matter as a serious concern, emphasizing that such actions expose vulnerable Sierra Leoneans to significant risks relating to their safety, legal status, and financial security. It further noted that the alleged recruitment process constitutes a direct violation of the ethical standards governing private employment agencies.
As part of its response, the Ministry has granted Malador Travel Agency five working days to regularize the situation by submitting authenticated employment contracts for all 28 Sierra Leoneans already transported to Qatar.
Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe, the Ministry warned, will result in the immediate repatriation of the affected workers to Sierra Leone and the suspension or revocation of the agency’s operating licence.
The Ministry also assured the public that it remains in close contact with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Qatar to ensure 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 cautioned Sierra Leoneans against engaging with unauthorized recruitment schemes.
Additionally, the Ministry expressed concern over recent reports suggesting that some agencies and individuals are recruiting Sierra Leoneans for employment opportunities in Russia and other conflict-prone regions around the world.
The Government of Sierra Leone strongly discouraged citizens from travelling abroad, particularly for defence-related work, through unauthorized programmes that could endanger their lives.
The Ministry concluded by warning all agencies and individuals involved in unlawful overseas recruitment activities that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the country’s labour migration laws and regulations.
