"Are Liberians Being Systematically Sidelined"? CSA Boss Joekai Questions Liberia's Labor Fairness Says 3,000 Indians Performing Jobs Liberians Should Be Doing

Monrovia, Liberia: The issue of unemployment in Liberia continues to generate national concern, particularly as the country grapples with deepening economic hardships. 

In May 2025, the matter took center stage at the Liberian Senate, instilling intense debates over the role of the Ministry of Labor under Minister Cooper Kruah, with lawmakers raising alarm over the alleged marginalization of Liberians in the labor market.

Today, June 17, 2025, a detailed report was submitted to the plenary of the Liberian Senate by the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Josiah Joekai, presenting findings from the 2024 Alien Work Permit review. 

The report disclosed that approximately 3,000 Indian nationals are currently employed by various companies across the country, many of whom are said to be performing duties that could and should be filled by qualified Liberians.

A significant number of those foreign workers are reportedly stationed with ArcelorMittal, executing engineering and technical roles traditionally reserved for Liberian professionals.

The CSA report was at the same time anchored on several key objectives, identifying breaches in compliance with the Decent Work Act, evaluating the issuance procedures for work permits, assessing the overall impact on Liberia’s labor laws, and recommending measures to ensure fair and sustainable employment for Liberians.

It underscores that the overwhelming presence of foreign nationals in positions reserved for Liberians undermines the nation's “Liberianization Policy” a legal provision designed to prioritize Liberians in employment opportunities, especially within specific job categories.

This is a direct violation of the Liberianization Policy—we must protect jobs that are legally reserved for our citizens.” — 

Of particular concern is the discovery that over 7,000 job roles designated for Liberians are currently held by foreigners. 

This practice, the report argues, directly contradicts Chapter 41.4(c) of the Decent Work Act, which mandates preference for Liberian workers unless it can be clearly proven that no qualified Liberian is available, contrary to the justification often given for issuing foreign work permits, primarily the alleged lack of skilled local labor.

The CSA boss maintains that Liberia possesses a pool of capable professionals who are being overlooked. 

He asserts that Liberians with the right credentials should be allowed to compete fairly with their foreign counterparts.

“Liberia has no shortage of skilled professionals. What we lack is the will to prioritize them in their own country.”

The report draws its legal foundation from Chapter 45.1 of Liberia’s labor law, which explicitly states that no foreign national shall be employed in the country without a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. Furthermore, Section 45.1(c) stipulates that a work permit shall not be granted unless the Ministry is fully satisfied that no suitably qualified Liberian is available for the position in question.

In addition, Chapter 45.5 of the legal framework ensures that foreign workers residing in Liberia are entitled to all protections under the Decent Work Act, provided their rights do not infringe upon or lead to discrimination against Liberian employees.

This is the first time that comprehensive details concerning the employment of foreign nationals in roles legally reserved for Liberians have been formally presented to the public through the Senate under the Boakai led Givernenment.