Min. Kruah Warns Labour Inspectors Against Violation During ECOWAS Work Permit Enforcement

By: William K. Howard

Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah has sent a stern warning to Labour Inspectors commissioned to conduct the pending nationwide ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement, against violation of the Decent Work Act, or risk harsh penalties.

The ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement was initially slated to kick off across the 15 sub-divisions of the country last July, but was postponed based on numerous appeals from cross section of ECOWAS citizens, mainly from neighboring countries; including Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea and the General Leadership of The Fulani Community.

The exercise according to the Ministry’s Communication desk will now start on the 15th of August, 2024.

Minister Kruah called on the Labour Inspectors to fully abide by the procedures in the enforcement of the ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement, which will be conducted in collaboration with other related government institutions, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).

MOL latest release further quotes the Labour Minister as regrettably recounting the recent unfortunate incident in which five employees, caught impersonating as Labour Inspectors in Western Liberia were summarily dismissed, in line with standing regulations for public sector workers, cautioning against repeat of such unwholesome practices which impugn on the good image of the ministry and by extension, National Government.

The Liberian Labour Boss then assured ECOWAS Citizens residing in the country, engaged in the informal sector economic activities to promptly comply with the regulations governing, ensuring the payment of the minimum fee of USD 100.00 (One Hundred United States Dollars) for the permit, renewable annually.

“This is the law, just as it is in other sisterly ECOWAS and other countries around the world and we expect our fellow citizens here to cooperate with you, our Inspectors and comply”; the release further quotes Minister Kruah as challenging the Labour Inspectors during the briefing held in the court yard of the ministry in Congo Town.

Meanwhile, Minister Kruah is commending staff of the ministry for their cooperation and dedication during the first phase of the ongoing nation-wide general Alien Work Permit Enforcement which gas raise substantial amounts of funds in support of National Economic Drive.