Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah has applauded the management of AFCONS, for committing US$ 253,000 to government’s revenue as obtainment fees for Alien Work Permits for its expatriate workforce.
“On today, June 28, 2024, the AFCONS, Management, one of the Subcontractors of ArcelorMittal Mining Company that is operating in Nimba, paid a total of US$253, 000 into Government Revenue for the obtainment of Labour Work Permits,” Minister Kruah said.
According to a Labour Ministry press release, Minister Kruah expressed explicit confidence in the management of AFCONS for fulfilling its obligation in ensuring the legal status of 310 foreign expatriate workers through the obtainment of Alien Work Permits.
Minister Kruah clarified that the news published on June 27, 2024, was due to a misunderstanding, stating that all employees of AFCONS have legal status.
He commended AFCONS management for its full compliance with all standing regulations of the Ministry, particularly relating to the obtainment or renewal of Alien Work Permits for foreign expatriates within Liberia’s labour and investment sector.
Minister Kruah is further quoted in the press bulletin as describing the timely compliance by AFCONS management in obtaining and renewing Alien Work Permits for its expatriate workforce as the beginning of a new, genuine relationship between major investments conglomerates and the Liberian Government.
This relationship fosters mutual respect for labour-related regulations regarding job creation for Liberian citizens under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ‘Rescue Mission.’
The Labour Ministry press release emphasized Minister Kruah’s ‘Liberia First for Job Placement Policy,’ under which major investment companies, including AFCONS, are required to ensure that jobs allotted for Liberian citizens, including Human Resource or Personnel Relations positions, are not given to foreigners without public advertisement and verification that qualified Liberians are not readily available.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Kruah is warning other investment companies with foreign expatriates in their employ without valid Alien Work Permits to comply with the Ministry’s ongoing Inspection Enforcement Exercise and this includes ECOWAS citizens working in both formal and informal sectors.
He urged them to emulate the good example of AFCONS in meeting all labour-related requirements.
The swift compliance by AFCONS management with the Labour Ministry’s ongoing Inspection Enforcement Exercise underscores Minister Kruah’s commitment to ensuring revenue collection, adherence to labour regulations, and employment opportunities for Liberians.
This aligns with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ‘ARREST AGENDA,’ which aims to improve the economic living standards of the Liberian people, particularly the youth, whose well-being is paramount for the country’s sustained peace and security.