Senator Varplah Urges Senate to Reassess Employment Opportunities for Liberians

Monrovia, Liberia: Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varplah is calling on the Liberian Senate to conduct a thorough review of employment across the country with a particular focus on job positions currently occupied by non-Liberians that qualified Liberians could fill.

Speaking on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Senator Varplah stressed the importance of relying on credible data rather than assumptions when addressing the growing concern over job accessibility for Liberians.

She noted that a comprehensive report has already been submitted, which outlines positions held by foreign nationals.

According to her, these roles must be carefully reviewed to identify those that should rightfully be occupied by Liberians, estimating the number of such positions could be more than 7,000.

Echoing the concerns of Senator Abe Darius Dillon, Senator Varplah highlighted the troubling rise in unemployment among Liberians, despite the presence of roles that local citizens are capable of performing.

She pointed out that professional jobs like financial management should no longer be outsourced, as there are many competent Liberian graduates who can perform such duties.

"The days when we had to depend heavily on foreign professionals are behind us," Senator Varplah said. "Liberia is producing graduates every year, and we must make room for them in our job market."

She further emphasized the lack of job availability for locals in concession areas and urged the relevant Senate committee to revisit existing employment data. The goal, she said, is to pinpoint specific roles suitable for Liberians and ensure they are given priority in the labor market.

“It is time we give Liberians the opportunity to play a central role in building their own economy,” she concluded.

Her comments come amid increasing scrutiny of Liberia’s labor policies and growing demands for a more equitable and inclusive workforce.