Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698835963501.pdf (Sierra Leone)
IA P t i!

'r-- \.J.llri /t, o I n"fu *tln*try of lF oreign flffairs ant Intmtationat Co operation Rgpufifrc of Siera Leone oAU cDive, towerlfi[t, tFreetsw R:ef: 3079/207 12 October 2018 From: The Director-Geoeral and Ambassador-at-Large Minisuy of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperadon Tower Hill Freetown Ts: 'l'hc Clerk of Parliament Parliament Building Tower Hill Freetown Dear Sir Ratification of the Asreement berween the Federation of Saint Christooher and eo holders of Diplomatic.
Official and Ordinar)' Passports of n1 I am directed to reier to the above subiect-matter ard to submit the abovementjoned Agteement and tespectfully request dates for the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and Intemational Cooperation to lay thc said Agreement bcfore this Honourable House for ratification.

Please accept the assurance oF my highest tion as I await to hear from you.
FOR: DIRECTOR.GENE & AMBASSADOR.AT-I.ARGE Patrick ASSAN lodai Koroma CC: The Honourabie Minister of Forcign Affairs and Intemariona.l Cooperation .
- -:.--_- SIERRA LEONB GOVERNMENT REF: l-tFAlL Fronr: Thc Solicitor-General To: The Director-General & Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry o[ Foreign Affairs & Intemational Cooperation 30$ March,20l7 Copy: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation REQUEST FOB CONCURRENCE ON COOPERATION AGREEMENT BET\\IEEN GO\/EI{A:IUENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONEAND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINAT ON MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOi\{ATIC AND SERVICE PASSPORTS AND COOPERATIOn- AGREEI\{ENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONEAND THE FEDERATION OF SAINT CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS ON EXEI\{PTION OF VISA REOUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF D I P LO l\(A T I C. O FFI C IA L AN D O RD I n- ARY PA S S P O RTS \\fe refer to your correspondence culminating rvith Memorandum NO.15295/42 of 29'h March.
2017 penaining to the above-cired Cooperation Agreemenls.

l. The Draft Agreemen(s are to be entered into between (a) the Govemment of the Republic of Sierra Leonc and the Covemment of the People's Republic of China on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports (b) Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis on exemption of visa requirements for holders ofdiplomatic, official and ordinary passports.

2.
2.

It is intended that the Parties to the Agreement referred to in (a) above establish a cooperation mechanism whereby citizens of Sierra Leone and China are exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the territories of both countries for a maximum period of thirty (30) days.
In relation to the Agreement referred to in (b) above, it is intended that the Parties establish a cooperation mechanism whereby holders of valid diplomatic, officiat or ordinary passports issued by the t' Republic of Siena Leone or Federation of St Christopher and Nevis are exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the tenitories of both countries for a period not exceeding 90 days.

3.
3.

As intemational Agreements, they are subject to ratification by Parliament by a resolution suppofted by the votes ofnot less than one-half of the Members of Parliament pursuant (o section 40 subsection (4xdxii) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, l99l (Act No.

6 of I99l).

4.

Subject to the above, we convey our concurence to the signed Cooperation Agreements.
tu Alikalny Sesay Principal State-Counsel For So licitor-General [:w Offi cers' Department Guma Building Freetown GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE MINUTE PAPER The D.G., MFAIC (i) Memo Reference: CP(2017)32 (ii) Below is Extroct from Minules of the 2no Regulor Meeting of Cobinet held on Wednesdoy 26th Jutl 2017.

ACCESSTON TO THE NEW YORK CONVENTION ON THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN ARBITRAT AWARD 1958 AND DRAFT]NG OF A NEW ARBITRATION ACT Memo.
No: CP(2017)32 SUMMARY OF PROPOSAT The New York Convention of the Recognition ond Enforcement of Foreign Arbilrol Awords wos odopted ol c United Nqtions Conference on 10th June 1958. lt enlered into force on 7th June.

1959 ond presently hos'157 stole porties, which conslitute 154 of the 193 United Nqtions Member Slotes plus the lslonds, the Holy See, ond the Stote of Polestine.
The conveniion requires courls of conkocling slotes lo give effect to privote ogreements to orbitrote ond to recognize ond enforce orbitrqtion onwords mode in other controcting stotes.

The New York Convention is the most impodont internolionol convention thol opplies to the cross-border enforcement of orbitrolion owords.
The convention opplies orbilrolions which ore nol considered os domestic owords in the stote where recognition qnd enforcement is sought, ond therefore widely considered os lhe fundomentol insirument for inlernotionol orbitrotion which is o fost-growing form of dispute resolution chosen in internotionol controcts.
CABINET DECISION CABINET (l) endorsed the New York Convention on the Recognition ond Enforcement of Foreign Arbilrol Awords l95B (the New York Conventions); :, : rili (2) quthorized the Minister of Foreign Affoirs ond lnlernotionol Cooperotion to sign lhe New York Convention; (3) outhorized the Minister of Foreign Affoirs ond lnternotionol Cooperotion to loy the New York Convention before Porliqment for rolif icotion; (4) outhorized the Office of the Altorney-Generol ond Minislry of Justice lo droft ond subsequently pursue the enoctment of q new Arbitrotion Act which (i) implements the New York Convention prior to occession ond (ii) modernized domestic orbitroiion proctice.
SAMUE .

BANGU for: Secretory to the Cqbinet ond Heod of the Civil Service I ITh AUGUSI, 2OI7 EXPIiNATORY MEMORAI.IDUM to the A"sreement between the Federation of Saint Christooher and Nevis and the Renutrlic of Sierra l-eone on Exemntion of Visa reouirements for holders of Diplomatic.

Official and Ordina4' Passpons This Agteement was proposed bv the Federarion of Saint Christopher and Nevis through our lVlission in London.
'I'he Agreement rec'eived Cabinet Appror.al on 3 October 201,6 ard, on that authority, it was signed in l,c,ndon on 14 February 2017.

The Agreement u,ill strengthen the existing lriendiy relations betureen our two Commonwealth countries and facilitate visa free ravel into, through and out of each other's.

territory for a period not exceeding ninetv (90) days for holders of diplomaric, official and ordinary passports of both counries.
The Federarion of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a Caribbean island nation with a population of about 54,000 people, principally depencent ofl tourism.

'[he ratificauon of this Agreement v'ill create the opportuniw for Sierra I-eone to share experience rvith Saint Christopher and Nevis in a bid to enhance our t()urism industn'.
Although this Agreement was signed and receiveci Cabinet Approval before the current administration, its main obiectives are consistent with His Excellency President J ulius Maada Bio's Nerv Direction programme of govemment.
In Paragtaphs 18, 21 and 23 of His Excellency's Presidential Address to this Honourable House on 10 i\{ay 2018, the President set out his vision to promote, marliet and improve Sierra Leone's international image; showcase the country's tourist p,-rtential to the outside rvorld; and promote tourism-based acuvities to link with the rural economy.

This is consistent u,ith the efforts of this Excellency's govemment to diversify Sierra l,eone's economy.
To this end, rati$,ing this Agreement with a country whose main economic acriviw is based on tourism rvill indeed pror.ide the much-needed opporruniry* for knowledge exchange in developing our tourism and attract citizces of both countries to cmbark ()n tourist holidays betrveen our t\\'( ) countries.
The focal person for this Agreement, on behalf of the Director-Geretal and Ambassad<-rr-at-Large, to liaise with Parliament is: Patrick Hassan Morlai Komma Director, Hman Nghts and Conpliarce Ltgal Afairs and lfienational Conaentions Diition E n a i l: p ko n n {@fo n ign ffi i rs.go a. t I TelEbone: 076335579 Done: Nlinistry of Foreign Affairs and Intemadonal Cooperarion Dated: 12 October 2018 ( O,{*\ut*"-*" /f { C.^*l rA,^^A-- T {: 1tr, o-v-lX- o"l-*^^ $^ zuf"r f l't ,A. ,ffi,o,, GOVERNMENT OT SIERRA LEONE Ref: MIA/01/,11 From: The Permonent Secrelory, Minislry of lniernol Affcir To: The Direclor-Generol, Ministry of Foreign Affoirs ond lnlernolionol C ooperolion.
Dole: l Tth h Morch, 201 7 Request for Concurrence on Agreemenl Between lhe People of Slerro leone ond the federotion of Soit Chrislopher ond Nevis on Exemption ol Viso Requlrements for Holders of Diplomolic, Officiols ond Ordinory Possporls I om direcled io refer to ihe obove ond 1o forwr:rd herewith ihe otloched Concurrence referenced No.

3079/l0l emonoting f 'om the Chief lmmigrotion Officer's Office fcr your otlenlion ond necessory oclion pleose.
You ore ossured of our cooperolion of oll times -# 'Soffie Soflinolu Phoeno(Mrs) For: Permonenl Secrelory SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT REF:L/FA/1 FROM: The Solicitor-General TO The Director-General & Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lnternational Cooperation 27th January, 2016 RE: PROPOSED RECIPRoCAL VISA AGREEMENT BETWEEN 5T.

KITTS AND NEVIS AND THE REPUBLIC OF SIERR,I LEONE We refer to your memorandum No.
3079/L92 dated L8th January, 20L6, on the subject cited above forwarding to this Office a copy of a draft Agreement for legal vetting and approval.

2.

We have carefully perused the draft Agreement, which we believe that the issues contained therein have been carefully negotiated and subsequently agreed upon by your Ministry and St. Kitts and Nevis.

3.
3.

We are satisfied with the form and substance of the draft Agreement, therefore have no legal objection to it and further advise that you cause it to be signed, subject to consideration and approval by Cabinet.

ALIM SESAY ST,NIOR STATE.COUNSEL FO R: SOLICITOR-G ENERAL LAW OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT GUMA BUILDING FREETOWN e# I MMIGRA:rION DEPARTMENT tt ctdacnsiEn srnnnr, FREETImN, ;TERRA LEINE Tel: (00 232 22) 223034n75081 Fax: (00 232 720) 22476l.

:;lid@sierratcl.sl REF.

NO.


3079/101 G From: ,Qhief Immigration Officer.

To: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs.

13th March, 2017.

REOUEST FOR CONCURRENCE ON AGFIEEMENT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE FEDERATION OF SAIT CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS ON E}:EMPTION OF VISA REOUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIPI-OMATIC, OFFICIAL AND ORDINARY PASSPORTS I write relative to the above subject and to info:'ni you that the Immigration Department is in concurrence of the above stated agreement.
It must be noted that as a Department the above agreement re-enforce our obligation of making migration easier and in line with International Treaties and Agreements.

In view of the above, I hereby give concurrence to your Ministry in order to facilitate the preparation of the memorandum for approval by cabinet' Please be assured of our Cooperation and accept the highest esteem.

- f my '(t E --3 tffitv.

nsum 'lra * t }.-.


<.1 hi I \ ) + A I I a t0 /JlN6Pl ( tr# I MM IGRATION DEPI\RTMENT 14 GLOUCESTERSTREET, FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE i?

I 0 Tel: (00 232 22) 223$4m5081 Fax: (00 232 220) 224761.sli erratel.sl rD 612A From: The Chief Immigration Officer.

To: The Di rector-General and Ambassador-At-Large 28s July, 2016.
RE- PROPOSED RECIPROCAL VISA AGREEMENT BETWEEN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AND THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE I am direCed to refer to your correspondence referenced 15295/1 dated 22"d July,2016 in relation to the above subject matter and to inform you that the Immigration Depadment has no objection or comments on the content of the draft agreement.

We have noted all the points mentioned in ARTICLES 1 to 13.
They are geared to further strengthen the already existing friendly relations between our Republic and the Federation of ST, CHRISTOPHER and NEVIS.

You are assured of our usual cooperation.

GEI For Chief Immigration ic Usnran SECRET THIS DOCUMENT IS IHE PROPERTY OF THE SIERRA LEo NE GOVERNMENT cPI20l6)r 45 26TH SEPTEMBER 20I6 coPY NO............
CABINET PROPOSED RECIPROCAL VISA EXEN,IPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AND THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE Memorondum bv the Minister of Foreiqn Af f ous ond lnfernotionol Cooperotion t. Recommendolions: Cobinet is inviled to: i. .

ll!.
opprove the proposed droft Agreemenl between lhe Republic of Sierro Leone ond the Federolion of Soint Chrislopher ond Nevis in respecl of viso exemption requirements for holders of Diplomotic, Service ond Ordinory Possporis for entry inlo, exit from or tronsit through the territory of eoch other's country for o period nol exceeding ninety (90) doys; quthorise lhe Sierro Leone High Commissioner in lhe United Kingdom 1o sign the proposed Agreement on beholf of Sieno Leone with his counterporl from the Federotion of Soinl Christopher ond Nevis; outhorise the Minislry of lnlernol Affoirs 1o incorporole the Federotion of Soinl Christopher ond Nevis on lhe lisl of counkies with which Sieno Leone hos reciprocol Viso Woiver/Exemption Agreements recognised by lhe Ministry of Jusiice ond Altorney Generol's Office.
2.

Purpose ond brief description: The drofl Viso Exemption Agreemenl seeks to strengthen existing lies between Sieno Leone ond the Federoiion of Soinl Chrisiopher ond Nevis os well os to mutuolly guoronlee the free movements of notionols of the two countries.
The proposed Viso Exemption Agreement ollows citizens of ihe two Commonweolth countries holding volid possports, both in their officiol ond privote copocities including thek dependonts, to stoy in eoch other's lenitory for o period not exceeding Ninety (90) consecutive Doys.

ln on event where nolionols of eilher country wishes lo stoy beyond Ninety (90) 7 .)

4.

SECRET Consecutive doys in the terrilory of the olher conkociing porty.
they, will be required to obtoin lhe oppropriole viso prior 1o orrivol, or if okeody in ihe country of the other controcting porty, opply for it before the expirotion of the Ninety [90] conseculive doys.

Slrotegic relevonce ond urgency: A key priorily policy ospirolion orticuloted in the Agendo for Prosperity is lhe diversificolion of economic oclivities for ropid lronsformolion of the counlry's economy.
Thus lhe proposed Viso Exemption Agreemenl is o vioble mechonism envisioned to focilitote diversified economic engogemenl through lourisiic visits os well os exchonge of knowledge ond expertise reloiing to the tourist sector which is in sync with the Strolegic focus of the Ministry of Foreign Affoirs ond lnternotionol Cooperolion.
The Federolion of Soint Christopher ond Nevis is on islond nolion with o populotion of obout 54,000 people, principolly dependent on the Tourist Sector os the moinstoy of ils economy.
ln essence, the opprovol of the proposed \riso Woiver Agreemenl would creote o congeniol ploiform for the lwo noiions lo colloborole in the oreo of tourism which fits precisely into Pillor one (l) of the counlry's Agendo for Prosperity nomely, Diversificotion of Economic Growlh, with specific reference lo promoting Locol ond lnlernolionol Tourism; It is envisoged thot the iniergovernmenlol, sociol, between the two nolions.
proposed ogreement will stimulole economic ond culturol exchonges Expected benefits ond lorgel beneficiories The Agreement will loy lhe foundotion for furlher joint cooperotion on issues of biloterol significonce in the tourist seclors of the two stole poriies.

li is iherefore expected lhol Cobinet's opprovol of the propcsol will bring o criticol boost to lhe emerging tourisl industry of Sierro Leone.
ln oddiiion lo eosing trovel conslroints ossocioted with viso requiremenls, the Tourism Minislry is expected 1o significontly benefit from o strengthened biloterol relotion between ihe Republic of Sieno Leone ond the Federotion of Soint Christopher ond Nevis; It is hoped thot the Agreement will strengthen the existing friendly relolions ond eose the free movement of people ocross the two countries.
Colleogues moy olso wish 1o note thot given thol the Eleckonics lndustry in Soinl Kills ond Nevis is one of the lorgest ond foslest groWng sectors, the Viso Woiver Agreement could resull in regulor fellowship exchonges belween tertiory institutions in the two countries, of which Sierro Leone hos the polenliol to goin substontiolly from the experlise of the Federolion of Soint Christopher 2 SECRET ond Nevis.

5 6 7.
Consultolion ocross governmenl: The Ministry of Justice ond lhe Atlorney Generol's Office ond ihe lmmlgrotion Deportmenl wete both consulted ond their concunence/no objeclion to lhe Viso Exemption Agreemenl were duly communicoted io the Ministry of Foreign Affoirs ond lniernotionol Cooperotion os indicoted in lhe onnexes; The Minislry of Justice ond lhe Attorney Generol's Office noles thot il is confidenl thoi the Minislry of Foreign Affoirs ond lnternotionol Cooperotion hos exercised sufficient due diligence ond therefore hos no legol objeclion to the proposed Viso Woiver Agreemenf; The lmmigrotion Deportmenl hos olso indicoted thol hoving perused the proposed ogreement, they ore of ihe view thot the ogreement is iniended to slrenglhen lhe existing friendly relotions between the Republic of Sierro Leone ond lhe Federotion of Soinl Chrislopher ond Nevis.
Finonciol implicolions: The proposed Viso Woiver Agreemenl between the Republic of Sierro Leone ond lhe Federolion of Soinl Chrislopher ond Nevis is ol no cost to Governmerrl.

Legol implicolions: As in other Agreements, lhe proposed Viso Woiver Agreement between Sieno Leone ond Soinl Chrislopher ond Nevis hos some legol implicotions ihot conrmil the signotory porties lo certoin obligolions ond privileges essenlioi to ils unhindered implementotion.
This memorondum is therefore issueo with the concunence of lhe Aitorney Generol ond Minisler of Juslice.

-"li r SIGNED: SAMURA MATHEW WILSON KAMARA (Ph.D} MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION DATE: 26TH SEPTEMBER, 20I6 \,n, $ GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE MINUTE PAPER.

The Director Generol.

MFAIC (i) CP(2016) 145 issued, pleose see lhiro cc.ver: {ii) Below is Ex'troct from Conclusion: 2.
PROPOSED RECIPROCAT VISA EXEMPTION AGIIEEMENT BETWEEN ST. KIITS AND NEVIS AND THE REPUBIIC OT SIERRA I.EONE Memo.

No: CP(20,l6)145 SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL The Acting Minisier of Foreign Aftoi's onci iniernotiono!

Cooperoiion presenled c requesi for Cobinet to oporove the reciprocol V;sc Exempiion Agreemeni beiween Sierro -eone ond tne Federotion of Soint Chrisiopher ono Nevis (St. KittsJ which ollows citizens of the two Commonweollh counkies holding volid possports.
both in ineir officiol ond p:'ivote copoc!ties includ;ng their dependents,.

10 stoy rn eoch olher's terrilory for o period nol exceeding Ninety {90) consecutive Doys.

ln on event where notionols of eilher country wish tc sfoy beyond Ninety [90) Consecutive ooys .n ihe lerrrlory of -ne othe.

cc^1:cc1i.g corly, they wilr be required 10 ooioln the ooorocr.oie viso prio' ;c orrivo.

or if ol.eody in fhe country of :ne olher co-i'ocling porry.
oocly io: i osiels :re expiroiion of the Ninely {90) consecr..,iive doys.

CABINET DECISION Cooinet opproved the proposol from the Acting Minister of Foreign Affoirs ond lnternoiionoi Cooperolion.
I I I l I I I i I I I I I I a3r^.Jes ll^r3 aql lo pooH puo taurqoJ aLll ol fuolaj3es :rol ('sW) uruo) n oruos t-ioz-lEqo-i56ire -) -z- St. Kitts and Nevis Visa Waiver Countries AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AND TIIE FEDERATION OF S.{INT CHRISTOPHER AND NEVTS ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL AND ORDINARY PASSPORTS The Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federation of Saint Cbristopher and Nevis (hereinafter referred to individually as the "contracting Party" and collectively as the "contracting Parties"), Being desirous of strengthening the existing friendly relations and facilitating travel betu,een the two coutries, Have agreed as follows: ARTICI,E, I Nationals of either country who are holders of valid diplomatic, official or ordinary passports issued by the Contracting Parties shall be exempt from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the territory of the other Conhacting Party for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.
ARTICLE 2 Nationals of either courtry intending to stay more than ninety (90) consecutive days in the territory of the other Conhacting Party, as refened to in Article 1 of this Agreement, are required to obtain the corresponding visa prior to arrival or, if already in the tenitory of the other Contracting Party, apply for it before the expiration of the ninety (90) consecutive days.
ARTICLE 3 Nationals of either country may, in accordance with Article l, enter the territory of the otber Contracting Party or exit it at any port or border pass open to intemational traffrc by passengers, provided that they fulfil the requirements of the laws and regulations of the other country concerning such entry, movement and stay by foreigrrers.

ARTICLE 4 1 .
ARTICLE 4 1 .

Citizens of each Contracting Parry, holding diplomatic, offrcial or ordinary passports, who arc appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international orgadsations in the territory of the other Contracting Party, shall be exempted from visa requtement to enter into, exist from and transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party for the period of their assignments.

2.
2.

The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall also be applied to members of their dependants holding valid diplomatic, o{ficial and ordilary passports.
ARTICLE 5 I Citizens of each contracting party, in case of loss or damage of valid documents during their stay in the territory of the other Party, shall exit from the territory of this State on the basis ofnew valid documents issued by a diplomatic or consular mission of the country of their citizenship without a visa or other permit from the competent authorities of the receiving State.

2.
Citizens of each Contracting Party, who are not in a position to exit from the territory of the other Contracting Party within the period specified in the first paragraph of Article (3) of this Agreement due to exceptional circumstances (illness or natural disaster) and have documentary or other reliable elidence of such circumstances, may apply to the relevant authorities for the permit to extend their stay in the territory ofthe other Contracting Party for an appropriate period needed to retum to the country of their citizenship or their pennanent residence.
ARTICLE 6 In the spirit of safeguarding the public interests, cornbating illegal migration and accommodating security concems of the two countries, both, parties do their best to stop any undesired persons and third country citizens from entering each other's territory.
ARTICLE 7 Each Contracting Party has the right to deny entry into its territory of the other Contracting citizens or cancel or shorten t}eir stay in the country in the case where the individual commits acts that violate the laws and regulations of the receiving Party.
2 Each Contracting Party shall ask to exit without delay and fiuther formalities, the citizens of each Party who have submitted false or forged documents to the border authorities of the other Party or who have overstayed the period allowed by their visa or who have violated existing rules goveming the entry and exil procedures of the other Party.
ARTICLE 8 The Contracting Partics shall immediately infomr each other of any changes in their respective laws and regulitions pe(aining to the entry, movement and stay of foreigners.
ARTICLE 9 This Agreement shall not affect the obligation of nationals of either Contacting Pafty to "o*pl/*ith the laws and regulations in force in the lerritory of the other Contracting Party' ARTTCLE IO This Agreement shall not affect the right ofthe competent authorities ofthe Contracting Parties io r"ti" a holder of a diplomatic, olficial or ordinary passport of the other contracting Pafiy permission to enter or stay, zls provided for in Articlel, if such a person is considered to be undesirable ot Persow non grata' ARTICLE 1I Either contracting Party may temporarily suspend, either totally or partially, the application of the present Agreement for reasons ofnational security, public order or public health.
wh", orre Contracting Party decides to suspend the Agreement as aforesaid, it shall noti$ the other party ofa suspension through diplomatic channels and such suspension shall enter into force 90 days after that notice.

ARTICLE 12 l. Each Contracting Pa$y shall provide the other with copies of valid diplomatic, official and ordinary passports through diplomatic ohannels at least thirry (30) days after this A$eement comes into effect.

2.
2.

If new diplomatic, official or ordinary passports are infioduced, or existing passports are modified, the Contracting Parties shall provide the other with copies of valid diplomatic, official and ordinary passports through diplomatic charurels at least thirty (30) days after they come into effect.

ARTICLE 13 l. This Agreement shall enter into force thirty days after the date of signanue by the Contracting Parties and shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time.

2.
2.

Either Contracting Party may terrhinate this Agreement at any time by written notification through diplomatic channels, and the termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after receipt ofthe notification by the other party.

ln Witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto by their respective Govemments, have signed this Agreement.

p"l"1l /A-d\i,"otn"/'4 dayofthemonth or € in English.
€B,ortneverlo / f TORTHE GOVERNMENT OF TTTE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE FORTHEGOVERNMEM OF TT{E FEDERATION OF SAINT CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE FEDERATION OF S.{INT CHRISTOPHEII AND NEVIS ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL AND ORDINARY PASSPORTS The Republic of Siena Leone and the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis (hereinafter referred to individually as the "contracting party" and cc,llectively as the ..iontracting Parties"), Being desirous of strengthening the existing friendly relations and facilitating travel between the two countries, Have agrecd as follows: ARTICLE 1 Nationals of either country who are holders of valid diplomatic, official or ordinary passports issued by the Contracting Parties shall be exempt from visa requirements for entrSr into, exit from or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.
ARTICLE 2 Nationals of either country intending to stay more than ninety (90) consecutive days in the territory of the other Contracting Party, as referred to in Article I of this Agreement, are required to obtain the corresponding visa prior to arrival or, if already in the territory of the other Con[acting Partv, apply for it before the expiration ofthe ninety (90) consecutive days.
ARTICLE 3 Nationals of either country may, in accordance with Article l, enter the territory of the other Contracting Party or exit it at arry port or border pass open to intemational traffrc by passengers, provided that they fulfil the reo.ukements of the laws and regulations of the other country conceming such entry, movement and stay by foreigners.
ARTICLE 4 1 Citizens ofeach Contracting Party, holding diplomatic, offrcial or ordinary passports, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organisations in the territory of the other Contracting Party, shall be exempted from visa requirement to enter into, re.xl!

"!- from and transit ttu ough the territory of the other Contracting Party for the period of their assignments.

2.
2.

The provisions of paragraph (1) of this A(icle shall also be applied to members of their dependants holding valid diplomatic, official and ordinary passports.
ARTICI,E 5 I citizens of each .contracting party, in case of loss or damage of valid documents during their stay in the tenitory of the other Party, shall exit from the tenitory ofthis state on the basis ofnew valid documents issued by a diplomatic or consular mission of the country of their citizenship without a visa or other permit from the competcnt authorities of the rcceiving State.
2, Citizens of each Contracting Party, who are not in a position to exit from the territory of the other Contracting Party within the period specified in the first paragraph of Article (3) of this Agreement due to exceptional circumstances (illness or natural disaster) and have documentary or other reliable evidence ot such circumstances, may appiy to the reievant authorities for the permit to extend their stay in the territory of the other Contracting Party for an appropriate period needed to return to the country of their citizenship or their permanent residence.
ARTICI,E 6 In the spirir of safeguarding the public interests, cornbating iucgal migration and accommo&ting security concems of the two countries, both parties do their best to stop any undesired pe,sons and third country citizens from entering each other's tcrritory.

ARTICLE 7 1 Each Contacting Party has the right to deny entry into its territory of the othcr Contracting citizens or cancel or shorte;.
therr stay in the country in the case where the individual commits acts thal vioiate the laws and regulations of the receiving Pany.

2.

Each Contracting Party shall ask to exit without delay and further formalities, the citizens of each Party who have zubrnitted false or forged docrunenls to the border authorities of the other Party or who hav.. overstayed the period allowed by their visa or who have violated existing rules goverring the entry and exit proo:dures of the other Party.
ARTICLE E The Contracting Parties shall immediately infomt each other of any changes intheir respective laws and regulations pertaining to the entry, movement and stay of foreigters.

ARTICLE9 This Agreement shall not affect the obligatioo of nationals of either Contracting Party to comply with tirc laws and regulalions in forcc i.t the territory of the othef Confficting Party.
ARTICLE 10 This Ageement shall not aflcct the right of the competent authorities of the Contracting Parties to refuse a holder of a diplomatic, official or ordinary passpofi of lhe other Contrgcting Party permission to entq or stay, as provided for in Articiel, il'such a person is considered to be uodesirable or Personl non grata.
ARTICLE 1T Either contracting Party may temporarily suspend, either totally or partially, the application of the present Agreement for rqsons of national security, public ,:rder or public healtir.

wh"n orr" Contracting Party decides to suspend the Ageement as afores:rid, it shall notiry the other party ofa suspension tfuough diplomatic channels and such suspension shall enter into force 90 dayi after that notice.
ARTICLE 12 l. Each Contracting Party shall provide the other with copies of valid diplomatic, official and ordinary passports through diplomatic channels at least thirtv (30) days after this Agreement comes into effect.

2.
2.

If new diplomatic, official or ordinary passports are introduced, or existing passports are modified, the Contracting Parties shall provide the other with copies of valid diplomatic, oflicial and ordinary passports through diplomatic channels at least thirty (30) days after they come into effect.

ARTICLE I3 1.

This Agteement shall enter into force thirty days after the date of signature by the Contracting Parties and shall remain valid for an indefinite period of time.

2.
2.

Either Contracting Party ma1, terridnate this Agreement at any time by written notification through diplomatic charurels, and the termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after receipt of the notification by the other party.

ln Witness whereof the undersigped" being duly authorised thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

pory"j hr"h4 ootn"/'$ dayofthemonth ot f€$,oltrr"w*)o/./ in English.

I FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPTJBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE /'.
FORTHEGOVERNMEM OF TIIE FEDERATION OF SAINT CHRISTOPTIER AND NE\{S -...:-.-- :r- ,''rt SIBRRA LEONE GOVERNMENT REF: UFAII From: The Solicitor-General , To: The Director-General & Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Atfairs & International Cooperation 30'h March, 2017 Copy: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation o AND REOUEST FOR CONCURRENCE ON COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETW EN GOVERNMENT OF THE RI1PUBL C OF SIERRA OVERNMENT OF THEP PLE'S REPUBLIC OF L CHINA ON MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND SERVICE PASSPORTS AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SIE LEONEAND THE FEDERATION OF SAIn*T CHRISTOI,HER AND NEVIS ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REOUIREMENTS- IqB I{OLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC.
OFFICIAL AND ORDINARY PASSPORTS We refer to your correspondence culminating with Memorandum NO.15295/42 of 29'h March, 2017 pertaining to the above-cited Cooperation Agreements.
The Draft Agreements are to be entered into tretween (a) the Government ol the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the People's Republic of China on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports (b) Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis on exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports.

2.
2.

It is intended that the Parties to the Agreement referred to in (a) above establish a cooperation mechanism whereby citizens of Sierra Leone and China are exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the territories of both countries for a maximum period of thirry (30) days.
In relation to the Agreement referred to in (b) above, it is intended that the Parties establish a cooperation mechanism whereby holders of valid diplomatic, official or ordinary passports issued by the Republic of Siena Leone or Federation of St Christopher and Nevis are exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from or transit through the tenitories of both countries for a period not exceeding 90 days, 3.
As intemational Agreements, they are subject to ratification by Parliament by a resolution supported by the votes ofnot less than one-half of the Members of Parliament pursuant to section 40 subsection (4xdxii) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, l99l (Act No.

6 of l99l).

4.

Subject to the above, we convey our conculTence to the signed Cooperation Agreements.

a &, ,\li6#y Sesay Principal State-Counsel F-or Sol icitor-Ceneral Law Officers' Department Guma Building Freetown