Section 19, The Refugees Protection Act, 2007

(1) A person who has, in contravention of the procedurelaid down by the law, entered Sierra Leone in order to apply for recognition as a refugee shall not be punished for that act if he arrives directly from a country where, his life and freedom have been threatened within the meaning of the United Nations Convention, the Protocol and the OAU Convention. (2) Notwithstanding any provision of the Non-Citizens (Registration, Immigration and Expulsion) Act, 1965, but subject to this Act, a person seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of this Act, and who illegally enters Sierra Leone or is illegally present in Sierra Leone shall not– (a) be declared a prohibited immigrant; (b) be detained; or Other measures pending expulsion. Nonpenalisation of illegal entry or stay in Sierra Leone. Act No. 14 of 1965. No. Refugees Protection Act 2007No. Refugees Protection Act 200726 27 (c) be imprisoned or penalised in any other manner by reason of his illegal entry or presence pending the determination of his application for recognition as a refugee.