Liberian Senate Mandates Appraisal of Work Permit Investigative Report

Capitol Hill, Monrovia: The Plenary of the Liberian Senate, which is the highest decision-making body, has mandated its Statutory Committee on Labor to meticulously review an investigative report submitted by the Minister of Labor in relation to the mass issuance of work permits to foreign nationals.

The Senate’s investigative action was prompted by allegations that work permits are being provided to foreigners for jobs Liberians are qualified and available to execute.

This move was prompted by insistence of Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, of Montserrado County, who had alleged that more than 7,633 work permits under dodgy circumstances have been given to foreigners

The backdrop of the Senate’s action is traced to the appearance of Labor Minister Cooper Kruah before the Senate on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following several communications of summons.

During cross-examination, Minister Kruah said that a list had been submitted to the Secretary of the Senate, as requested, detailing all foreign nationals with work permits, their places of employment, and the categories or titles associated with each work permit holder.

Minister Kruah revealed that for the period under review, a total of 7,633 work permits were processed, with 75% of these being renewals. “These renewed work permits were granted to foreigners who were already employed in various concessions and businesses in Liberia before our administration,” he explained. “In contrast, 2,484 permits, or 25% of the total, were for new applications submitted during our administration in 2024.”

The labor boss further noted that of the work permits issued, 8,802 (87%) were granted to males and 1,315 (13%) to females, totaling 10,117 work permits. Regarding the nationalities of the applicants, Minister Kruah specified that 6,980 permits (69%) were issued to non-African aliens, 2,699 permits (27%) to non-ECOWAS African aliens, and 438 permits (4%) to ECOWAS aliens.

The outcome of the committee’s review could lead to significant reforms in how work permits are issued and enforced, with a renewed focus on job creation and retention for Liberian citizens.

Grand Gedeh County Thomas Yaya Nimely, who chaired the Senate’s Labor Committee, has been ordered to thoroughly scrutinize the report and examine matters related to the issuance of work permits.

The Senate instructed the Labor Committee to ensure that the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, fully complies with Section 45 of the 2015 Decent Work Act of Liberia.

Section 45 of the 2015 Decent Work Act set aside several categories of jobs solely for Liberians. The intent of Section 45 of the decent work law is to ensure job protection for Liberians.

The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks, after which the Senate will determine the further steps.