By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Labor has announced the suspension of the issuance of work permits and renewals for unskilled expatriate workers as part of the government’s broader strategy to prioritize the employment of Liberians in the country’s workforce.
Labor Minister, Cooper Kruah, during a news conference said the decision will take effect upon the expiration of current Alien Work Permits for unskilled expatriates employed by major foreign investment firms.
However, the pronouncement was triggered following Minister Kruah’s recent tour of several foreign-owned companies in Nimba County, including Arcelor Mittal and AFCONS, among others.
Also, during his visit, Minister Kruah received numerous complaints from local workers about the excessive number of unskilled expatriates filling roles that Liberians are qualified to perform.
Liberia, a country still recovering from years of civil conflict and economic instability, and has faced significant challenges in creating sustainable employment for its citizens precisely the youthful population.
Also, the unemployment rate, particularly among youth, remains alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting that over 40% of young people are without jobs, leaving past and current governments under pressure to change the narrative.
But speaking to a team of reporters, Minister Kruah emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Liberians have first preference for jobs, stating, “We cannot continue to allow our foreign investment partners to hire unskilled expatriates for jobs that Liberians can perform.”
Urging affected companies to replace unskilled expatriates with qualified Liberians, Kruah requested companies to submit detailed employee rosters and salary information for review, aimed at addressing disparities between local and expatriate workers.
He also addressed various issues raised by local workers, such as poor working conditions and delays in salary payments, and called for the establishment of workplace unions to enhance communication with management.
The Minister, has at the same time, stressed the need to protect local jobs and ensure that Liberians are given priority in the labor market, and asserted, “Our primary responsibility is to the people of Liberia. We must ensure that our citizens have access to employment opportunities, especially in sectors that do not require specialized skills.”
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah has also mandated compliance with the Decent Work Act, ensuring that companies provide necessary benefits and working conditions for employees.
In discussions with CEOs from major companies, assurances were given regarding ongoing training programs for Liberians to eventually assume more skilled roles at these companies.
The Minister further reiterated his commitment to supporting local employment through various initiatives, thus highlighting the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving these goals.
“We cannot do this alone. We need businesses to invest in our people and provide them with the necessary training and opportunities. Together, we can build a stronger workforce that will drive our economy forward,” he added.
In response, several workers have expressed gratitude for Minister Kruah’s efforts to address their concerns, marking a positive step towards improving labor conditions in Liberia.
The workers also praised the government for the decision, viewing it as a long-overdue recognition of the challenges being faced by local workers, and added, “This is a victory for Liberian workers. We have been advocating for policies that protect our jobs, and this is a step in the right direction.”
