Alien Work Permits Walaha Looms -Senate Labor Committee Demands Stricter Oversight

By: Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr.

MONROVIA – In a recent report submitted to the Liberian Senate, the Senate Committee on Labor has called for stricter enforcement of labor laws governing the issuance of work permits to foreign workers.

The report follows a June 4 plenary session in which the Minister of Labor was summoned to address concerns about the growing number of non-Liberians employed in the country.

The committee’s investigation was centered on whether jobs that Liberians are qualified for are being unfairly occupied by foreign workers, in violation of the Decent Work Act of 2015.

The Act stipulates, among other provisions, that no foreign workers may be employed in Liberia without a valid work permit and that such permits must only be issued if no qualified Liberian is available for the position.

The report, presented by Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, expressed concern over what it described as “a clear lack of enforcement” by the Ministry of Labor.

The Committee made a number of recommendations aimed at tightening oversight and protecting the Liberian workforce and they are Engagement with Employers: the Committee proposed inviting employers to testify about the reasons they often choose foreign workers over Liberians, particularly for roles that may not require specialized foreign expertise, Quarterly Labor Reports: The Minister of Labor is urged to submit quarterly reports to the Senate, detailing the number of jobs gained or lost in the labor market, particularly those affected by the presence of foreign workers.

Others include, Mandatory Job Advertisement: All job vacancies should be publicly advertised, and employers must provide proof of this to the Ministry of Labor before seeking foreign candidates.

The Ministry must also follow up to ensure Liberians are fairly considered, Permit Expiry Notifications: Employers and foreign workers should receive a three-month advance notice before the expiration of work permits, giving time to consider Liberian replacements where applicable, Skills Transfer Mandate: Employers should be required to hire Liberians within every department such as mechanical, electrical, or administrative units to promote skill development and create career pathways for local workers.

“These measures are not meant to hinder international cooperation or investment,” Chairman Nimely stated. “They are meant to protect our national interest by ensuring that Liberians are not left behind in their own economy.”

Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate has sent Committee report which was endorsed during Thursday, July 10, session to the President of Liberia for implementation through a motion from Grand Bassa County Senator Gberzohngar Milton Finley.