Senator Dillon Urges Senate Investigation into Labor Minister's Work Permit Issuance

Monrovia, Liberia – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has formally requested the Liberian Senate to summon Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah over concerns regarding the issuance of work permits to non-Liberians. Dillon’s communication, presented to the Senate, seeks clarity on what he described as violations of labor regulations meant to prioritize Liberian workers.

In his letter, Senator Dillon raised concerns about the Ministry of Labor’s continued issuance and renewal of work permits for foreign nationals, even in cases where qualified Liberians are available. He pointed to the Decent Work Act, particularly Chapter 7, Section 7.1, and Chapter 45, Section 45.9, which grant the Ministry the authority to issue work permits under strict conditions.

Revised Regulation No. 17 (2019) outlines specific restrictions, including a mandate that employers prove the unavailability of a qualified Liberian before applying for a foreign worker's permit. This includes advertising the job vacancy in two local newspapers and on two radio stations for at least a month. Employers must also obtain a certificate from the Ministry verifying that no Liberian candidates are available for the position.

Despite these regulations, Senator Dillon expressed concerns that the Ministry of Labor has frequently issued permits for roles that Liberians could fill. He emphasized that these actions undermine the Decent Work Act’s intent and exacerbate unemployment, particularly in the private sector.

"Year in and year out, the Ministry of Labor has been issuing work permits to non-Liberians for jobs where Liberians are suitable and readily available. This undermines our efforts to address unemployment and improve local employment rates," Dillon stated in his communication.

He urged the Senate to treat the matter with urgency, calling on his colleagues to support his motion to summon Minister Kruah to explain the Ministry’s practices and ensure alignment with the law. 

On October 21, 2024, the Ministry of Labor announced the suspension of work permit issuance for foreign nationals, although Senator Dillon’s communication was still forwarded to the Senate’s Committee on Labor for further review.