Labour Inspectors commissioned to conduct the pending nationwide ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement, have been strongly warned against violation of the Decent Work Act, or risk harsh penalties.
The ECOWAS citizens work permit enforcement was initially slated to kick-off across the 15 sub-divisions of the country last July but, postponed based on numerous appeals from cross section of ECOWAS citizens, mainly from neighboring countries; including Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea and the General Leadership of The Fulani Community.
It will now begin on August15, a Labour Ministry press release issued quotes Minister Cooper W. Kruah while briefing Labour inspectors in Monrovia.
Minister Kruah called on the Labour Inspectors to fully abide by the procedures in the enforcement of the ECOWAS citizens work permit enforcement, which will be conducted in collaboration with other related government institutions, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the release added.
The Labour Ministry Press release further quotes the Labour Minister as regrettably recounting the recent unfortunate incident in which five employees, caught impersonating as Labour Inspectors in Western Liberia were summarily dismissed, in line with standing regulations for public sector workers, cautioning against repeat of such unwholesome practices which impugn on the good image of the ministry and by extension, National Government.
The Liberian Labour boss then assured ECOWAS citizens residing in the country, engaged in the informal sector economic activities to promptly comply with the regulations governing, ensuring the payment of the minimum fee of US$ 100 for the permit, renewable annually.
“This is the law, just as it is in other sisterly ECOWAS and other countries around the world and we expect our fellow citizens here to cooperate with you, our Inspectors and comply,” the release furthered; quoting Minister Kruah as challenging the Labour inspectors during the briefing held at the Ministry in Congo Town.
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah is commending staff for their cooperation and dedication during the first phase of the ongoing nation-wide general Alien Work Permit Enforcement which gas raise substantial amounts of funds in support of National Economic Drive.
