Monrovia, Liberia–Amid recent public debates and media reports regarding the alleged issuance of over 8,000 work permits to foreign nationals, Liberia’s Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah has addressed what he called a “gross misrepresentation” of the Ministry’s role in managing foreign labor and protecting Liberian jobs.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism regular press briefing, Minister Kruah clarified that only 2,484 new work permits were issued under his administration, with the remaining 7,633 (75%) being renewals for foreign workers already employed in Liberia before this government took office.
Work Permits and Economic Continuity
According to the Minister, major companies such as Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), MNG Gold, Firestone Liberia, and Sethi Brothers already had foreign staff operating in Liberia prior to this current administration assuming power in 2023.
“When this government took over, we met these workers in place. It would have been irresponsible and economically disastrous to cancel their permits and send them home,” he said.
He added that Liberia’s Decent Work Act empowers the Ministry to issue and renew work permits annually, ensuring that all employment processes remain within the legal framework.
Facts and Figures from 2024
The Labor Minister revealed that in 2024, the Ministry processed a total of 10,170 work permit applications, broken down as follows:
Regular work permits: 8,792 processed
Gratis permits (for UN, NGOs, doctors, educators, etc.): 887 processed
ECOWAS citizens (Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, etc.): 438 processed
Applications denied: 857
The Minister emphasized that the permit renewals were not for new foreign entries, but for expatriates already employed by concessions and private businesses.
Protecting Liberian Jobs
Addressing accusations that the Ministry has undermined Liberian employment, the Minister pointed to significant job growth at major companies.
According to him, Bea Mountain increased its Liberian workforce from 2,767 in 2023 to 4,671 in 2024, Sethi Brothers grew from 1,573 to 2,386 Liberian workers, ArcelorMittal increased from 1,645 to 2,244 Liberians, and Firestone Liberia rose from 4,827 to 5,332 Liberians employed.
“This administration has not only maintained continuity but actively pushed for the creation of jobs for Liberians,” he said.
Challenges and System Improvements
The Minister also revealed that the Ministry has struggled with outdated labor data, with Liberia’s official unemployment rate still based on 2022–2023 figures (3.7%).
To remedy this, the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) to conduct a comprehensive labor force survey.
Additionally, the Ministry continues to enforce standards in employee training and localization.
For example, Bea Mountain has increased the number of Liberian drivers handling specialized underground trucks from 15 to 21, following ministerial intervention.
Response to Legislative Criticism
Responding to criticism from Senator Abraham Darius Dillon and others, the Minister described recent legislative scrutiny as “personal and politically motivated,” noting that the Ministry had submitted all requested documentation to the Senate, including expatriate names, job titles, and employers.
“There is no secrecy. All our records are public and available. We believe in transparency and accountability,” he said.
A Call for Unity in Governance
Concluding his remarks, the Minister called for unity and cooperation among government officials. “This is a government of inclusion. We must work together to succeed, not tear each other down,” he stated.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring fairness in employment, supporting both investor confidence and local workforce development.
