The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has announced a major reform in its naturalization process with the digitalization of Alien Permits across the Republic of Liberia.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Commissioner General of Immigration for Naturalization, Atty. N. Dickson R. Tamba Sr., during an exclusive interview, where he disclosed that LIS has entered into a contractual agreement with an Information Technology (IT) company to digitize all Alien Permits nationwide. This initiative will transition the Naturalization Section of LIS from the traditional booklet-based Alien Permit system to a fully digital permit platform.
According to Atty. Tamba, the digitalization process will be decentralized and implemented in all fifteen (15) counties of Liberia. County Commanders of the Liberia Immigration Service will play a key role in the rollout by recommending LIS officers for specialized training to manage and administer the new digital Alien Permit system in their respective counties.
He explained that the reform is part of LIS’s broader modernization agenda aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and data accuracy in identifying non-Liberian residents. The digital system will also strengthen national security by providing a reliable and centralized database of foreign nationals residing in Liberia.
Atty. Tamba urged all aliens residing in Liberia to cooperate fully with the Liberia Immigration Service—particularly the Naturalization Section—to ensure proper documentation and registration under the new digital permit system.
“We have conducted a nationwide tour across the fifteen counties of Liberia, and today we are climaxing the exercise in Lofa County. We call on communities and all aliens to cooperate with us as we transition from the booklet Alien Permit to a digital permit system across Liberia with our IT partners,” Atty. Tamba stated.
He further emphasized that, as part of the reform, cash payments will no longer be accepted by LIS officers during the Alien Permit process. Instead, all payments must be made through mobile money platforms or accredited banks in Liberia. This measure is intended to promote transparency, eliminate cash handling, and enhance accountability within the system.
Additionally, specialized IT personnel will be trained to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, and sustainability of the digital permit platform. The new system is expected to deliver improved service delivery, reduce processing time, and enhance the overall impact of immigration and naturalization services in Liberia.
The Liberia Immigration Service says the digital Alien Permit system marks a significant step toward modernizing public service delivery and aligns with the government’s broader efforts to embrace digital transformation and strengthen institutional efficiency.