By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberian Immigration Service (LIS) is set to graduate 500 newly trained personnel on Saturday, December 7, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to strengthen border security.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, LIS Acting Commissioner-General, Elijah Rufus, said the graduation ceremony will take place at the Joseph Boakai Liberia Immigration Service Training Academy in Foya, Lofa County.
According to him, the event will be the first training conducted at the academy since its construction a decade ago.
The LIS acting boss said the six-week training program was compact and intensive, focusing on basic immigration protocols, border control operations, and security measures at points of entry.
He highlighted that the training was fully funded by the Government of Liberia, a departure from previous programs that relied on international partnerships.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President for the financial support that made this training possible. We also acknowledge the contributions of the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) in ensuring that the recruits will be placed on the government payroll this fiscal year.”
He furthered that upon graduation, the 500 recruits comprising 350 men and 150 women will be deployed to key land border posts, including Maryland, Nimba, Bong, Lofa, and Grand Cape Mount counties.
“Our focus is on securing land borders, as they are critical entry points. Recruiting personnel from these regions ensures familiarity with local conditions and allows for smoother deployment,” he said.
He also addressed the press that the recruitment and training come at the time as the LIS prepares for the retirement of over 350 personnel through the CSA.
The new graduates will fill the gap and bolster the LIS workforce, which currently requires 4,000 to 5,000 personnel to effectively secure Liberia’s borders and checkpoints.
The training process was not without challenges. During the physical fitness assessment in Grand Bassa County, one recruit tragically passed away after collapsing. The LIS expressed its condolences to the bereaved family and ensured the individual received a dignified burial.
The LIS also announced that 15 female personnel recently completed defensive driving training through a partnership with the Regional Defense Liaison Office (RDLO). Some of these graduates are now qualified for potential peacekeeping missions.
He disclosed that the Minister of Justice will serve as the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. Invitations have also been extended to international partners, national stakeholders, and the media to witness this historic occasion.
The LIS is encouraging the public to attend the ceremony in Foya, stating, “With 500 graduates, many of us have relatives involved. We invite everyone to come and celebrate this milestone with us.”
While no immediate recruitment plans for 2025 were announced, the LIS reiterated its readiness to expand its workforce if additional funding becomes available.
The upcoming graduation underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing national security and addressing critical border challenges, ensuring Liberia’s immigration infrastructure is equipped to meet growing demands.
