The Liberian Senate has summoned Minister of Labour Cllr. Cooper Kruah to explain why he should not be held in contempt for failing to provide key documents on issuing work permits to foreign nationals.
Minister Kruah is expected to appear before the Senate Plenary next Thursday to account for his failure to submit the requested information.
The Senate’s action follows mounting concerns raised by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darious Dillon, who accused the Minister of repeatedly ignoring requests for detailed documentation. Senators view the Minister’s failure to comply as a direct challenge to their authority and a deliberate obstruction of their oversight responsibilities.
Before the Senate’s decision, the Senate Committee on Labour, chaired by Grand Gedeh County Senator Alex Nimely, engaged with Minister Kruah. According to Senator Nimely, the Minister submitted a report that lacked critical details regarding the issuance of work permits to foreigners.
Nimely disclosed that when the Minister was asked to provide a comprehensive briefing on the status of work and resident permits, his report failed to address core issues. The Senate expects documentation outlining the number of foreigners granted permits, the companies employing them, and the specific jobs assigned. Additionally, the report should confirm whether these job vacancies were publicly advertised, a legal requirement that the committee believes has not been fulfilled.
Senator Dillon, who has been vocal about ensuring transparency in the labour sector, criticized the Minister’s failure to provide adequate information. He argued that the issue is particularly urgent given Liberia’s worsening economic crisis and rising unemployment. According to Dillon, it is unacceptable for foreign workers to be prioritized while qualified Liberians struggle to find employment.
