Section 12, The Refugees Protection Act, 2007

(1) If, at any time, the Implementing Agency afterconsulting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, considers that a person present in Sierra Leone has ceased to be a refugee, within the meaning of subsection (5) of section 2, the Implementing Agency may withdraw his refugee status. (2) Before withdrawing a refugee status, the Implementing Agency shall cause a written notice to be served upon the person whose status as a refugee is under consideration– (a) informing him of the fact that his status as a refugee is to be reconsidered; (b) inviting him to make written representations to the Implementing Agency within a period of thirty days from the date of service of the notice, regarding his status as a refugee. (c) inviting the person to an interview with the Implementing Agency, accompanied by a legal practitioner or any other representative, if he so desires. (3) The Implementing Agency shall consider every case notified to a refugee under subsection (2) and may make any inquiry or investigation it thinks necessary into any such case. (4) After considering all the evidence, the Implementing Agency– (a) may declare that the person has ceased to be a refugee; and (b) may grant the person concerned an alternative status which would allow him to reside in Sierra Leone after the withdrawal of his refugee status, having regard to his previously acquired rights and links with Sierra Leone; and (c) shall cause the person concerned to be notified of its decision in the matter within a period of twenty-one days of the date of the decision. (5) Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Implementing Agency to declare him to have ceased to be a refugee may, within a period of thirty days of being notified of such decision, appeal in writing to the Appeal Committee. Withdrawal of refugee status. No. Refugees Protection Act 2007No. Refugees Protection Act 200718 19 (6) The Appeal Committee shall invite the appellant to be present at a hearing, to be assisted or represented by a legal practitioner or any other person of his choice, if he so desires, and to present oral or documentary evidence. (7) The Implementing Agency may make oral or written representations in respect of any appeal brought under this section. (8) After considering all the evidence, the Appeal Committee may confirm, vary or set aside the decision of the Implementing Agency and shall cause the Implementing Agency and the person concerned to be informed of its decision in the matter.