By Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr.
MONROVIA – In a decisive move to enforce Liberia’s labor laws, the Ministry of Labor revoked the work permits of 19 foreign nationals following the launch of a comprehensive audit into foreign employment practices across Montserrado County.
The disclosure was made on Monday, June 25, 2025 by Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., during a press conference at the Ministry of Labor on the ongoing Alien Work Permit Audit Exercise.
The audit, commissioned on June 2, 2025, is aimed at verifying the legitimacy of work permits held by foreign workers, ensuring job titles declared on permit applications match actual duties performed, and confirming full compliance with payment requirements.
“These initial nineteen foreign workers were found to have either misrepresented their job roles or failed to meet permit criteria,” Minister Kruah stated. “Their work permits are hereby revoked, and their names will be forwarded to the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) for further action, including potential cancellation of their residence permits.”
According to Minister Kruah, this action was supported by Section 45.1(c)(i) of the Decent Work Act, which establishes that a valid residence permit is a prerequisite for holding a work permit in Liberia.
The Ministry also uncovered a number of foreign nationals working in businesses and offices without any valid permits at all a direct violation of Chapter 45 of the same Act.
“Our law is clear: no foreign national may begin working in Liberia without a current work permit, and no employer should engage a foreign worker who lacks one,” the Minister emphasized.
The audit teams, divided into four zones covering Central Monrovia, Bushrod Island (East and West), Somalia Drive, Red Light, and Sinkor, have been conducting rigorous checks at various businesses.
The exercise, which began in Montserrado, is expected to extend to other counties in the coming months.
Minister Kruah reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and regular public updates, noting that more press briefings will be held to share developments.
“This is just the beginning. We will continue this audit with efficiency and zero tolerance for violations,” he said.
In addition to enforcement, the Minister highlighted the government’s broader labor goals, including increased employment for Liberians. He announced the return of the Ministry’s vacation job scheme for students, which provided around 360 placements last year and is expected to expand in 2025.
The Labor Ministry’s actions have been lauded by some labor advocates who see the crackdown as necessary to ensure fairness and protect the rights of Liberian workers.
“We want to assure the Liberian people that we are committed to administering the labor sector with integrity, diligence, and the highest regard for the law,” Kruah concluded.
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