NETWORK OF EX-ASYLUM SEEKERS - SIERRA LEONE (NEAS -SL)
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Contact us : +232 76 377433/ 77 516040
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/neassl
NEAS -SL Secretariat
No: 19 West Street, off Dundas Street. Freetown
Sierra Leone, West Africa
Email: neassl2017@gmail.com
The Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers Sierra Leone (NEAS-SL) is a nongovernmental, charitable, and people-driven organization established to respond to the complex realities of asylum seeking, deportation, and forced Deportation experienced by many Sierra Leoneans. NEAS-SL was born out of vast experiences and collective struggle. It was formed by Sierra Leonean deportees and former asylum seekers who, after deportation at home under difficult and often traumatic circumstances, recognized the urgent need for organized support, advocacy, and prevention around migration issues.
NEAS-SL began as an informal support network in 2009, when deported asylum seekers started coming together to share their experiences, offer emotional support, and exchange survival strategies. In 2012, the network was formally established as an organization, marking a transition from informal solidarity to structured action. This evolution allowed NEAS-SL to engage more effectively with communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, while remaining firmly rooted in the realities of deportees.
At its core, NEAS-SL exists to save lives and restore dignity. Voluntary Deportation and forced deportation often leave individuals vulnerable to homelessness, unemployment, trauma, stigma, and social exclusion. NEAS-SL responds to these challenges through a holistic approach that combines reintegration support, psychosocial counseling, advocacy, and public education. The organization believes that deportation should not be treated as a failure, but as a process that requires care, preparation, and opportunity.
One of NEAS-SL’s key areas of work is reintegration. The organization supports deportees through skills development, livelihood guidance, and referrals that help individuals rebuild economic stability and regain confidence. Reintegration is understood not only as economic recovery, but as a social acceptance and personal healing. For this reason, NEAS-SL places strong emphasis on psychosocial support, providing safe spaces for deportees to talk openly about their experiences and begin the process of emotional recovery.
NEAS-SL is also a strong advocate for human rights-based migration policies. As an organization led by ex-asylum seekers, it brings an authentic and credible voice to discussions on migration governance. NEAS-SL advocates for dignified deportation processes, fair treatment of migrants, and recognition of reintegration as a shared responsibility between governments, communities, and international actors.
In addition, NEAS-SL is committed to preventing irregular migration. Through community outreach and public awareness, the organization educates young people and potential migrants about the risks of undocumented travel, human trafficking, and false promises made by smugglers. At the same time, it promotes safe, legal, and documented migration pathways, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
In context, NEAS-SL stands as a bridge between deportation and recovery, between migration dreams and the harsh realities. It is an organization built on solidarity, resilience, and hope, working to ensure that every Sierra Leonean, whether returning, staying, or planning to migrate, can do so with dignity, safety, and informed choice.
NETWORK OF EX-ASYLUM SEEKERS - SIERRA LEONE (NEAS -SL)
CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON DEPORTATION MALPRACTICE AFFECTING SIERRA LEONEANS
The Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers Sierra Leone (NEAS-SL) convened a consultative meeting with key government institutions and civil society actors to discuss ongoing deportation malpractice affecting Sierra Leoneans during and after deportation. The meeting was organized as part of NEAS-SL’s mandate to advocate for the dignity, rights, and protection of Sierra Leonean deportees, many of whom return home traumatized, stigmatized, and unsupported.
The consultative engagement created a safe space for open dialogue between NEAS-SL, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and civil society organizations working in migration, human rights, and social protection. Discussions focused on the lived realities of deportees, particularly the conditions under which Sierra Leoneans are removed from host countries and the absence of adequate reception and reintegration systems upon arrival in Sierra Leone.
NEAS-SL presented firsthand accounts from deportees who described being deported under degrading conditions, including being restrained, denied clear information about their legal status, and subjected to abrupt removal processes that left them mentally distressed. These narratives highlighted serious gaps in the protection of migrants’ rights and exposed the long-term psychological and social impact of deportation on individuals and their families.
Participants acknowledged that while deportation may be executed within legal frameworks of host countries, the manner in which Sierra Leoneans are treated often violates basic human dignity. Particular concern was raised about the lack of coordination among institutions at the point of arrival, where deportees are frequently handed over to security agencies without psychosocial support, medical screening, or reintegration guidance.
The meeting further examined the absence of a national policy or legal instrument in Sierra Leone that specifically protects deportees. Stakeholders agreed that deportees remain one of the most invisible and underserved groups, facing stigma, unemployment, family rejection, and mental health challenges. Civil society actors emphasized that deportees should not be treated as criminals but as citizens in need of protection and support.
NEAS-SL used the platform to advocate for the development of a deportee protection and reintegration framework that would clearly define institutional roles, ensure dignified return procedures, and provide immediate psychosocial assistance at the airport. The organization also called for stronger collaboration between MDAs, civil society, and international partners to address deportation malpractice both locally and in dialogue with host countries.
The consultative meeting reinforced the urgent need for policy reform, institutional coordination, and public awareness to safeguard the rights of Sierra Leonean deportees. NEAS-SL reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a voice for deportees and to working with stakeholders to promote humane, rights-based, and dignified deportation and reintegration processes in Sierra Leone.
NEAS-SL and the stakeholders 'MDAs' meeting at the head office of the HRC-SL on deportation policy in Sierra Leone.
Madam Sidiratu Kargbo-HRC-SL lead lawyer for human trafficking and illegal migration in Sierra Leone.
NEAS-SL/CSOs regional consultative meeting in Bo City on migration and deportation policy
Medico International and NEAS-SL training session on Migration terminology
PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELLING
Professional Psychosocial Counseling in Neas-sl Head Office at West Street in Freetown.
OUTREACH TO DEPORTEE HOMES
Medico's Visitation to deportee home (Left)
NEAS-SL visitation to deportee home (Right)
NEAS-SL & MEDICO INTERNATIONAL pay courtsey visit to airport authorities at the Lungi International airport
A deportee undergoing a rehabilitation in one of the psychiatric centers in Freetown.
