In a bold move to tackle unemployment and protect job opportunities for Liberians, the Liberian Senate has mandated its Committee on Labor to investigate concerns raised over the issuance of work permits to non-Liberians.
This decision follows a communication from Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, who questioned the Ministry of Labor’s continued issuance and renewal of work permits for foreign workers, especially in sectors where suitable Liberians are readily available for employment.
In his letter to the Senate Plenary, Senator Dillon emphasized that the Ministry of Labor may be acting contrary to the intent of the Decent Work Act and its regulations regarding the employment of foreign nationals.
The Senator highlighted specific provisions within Chapter 7, Section 7.1, and Chapter 45, Section 45.9 of the Decent Work Act, which authorize the Ministry to issue regulations governing the issuance of work permits to non-Liberians.
Under this authority, the Ministry issued the “Revised Regulation No. 17” in 2019, setting strict conditions for granting work permits to foreign workers.
Dillon pointed to Section 3 of the 2019 Regulation, which clearly states: “No Permit shall be issued to a non-African alien to work in the informal sector. Additionally, no Permit shall be issued to any alien to engage in any of the businesses set aside by law exclusively for Liberians.” He argued that the Ministry of Labor appears to disregard these provisions, granting work permits to non-Liberians for positions where Liberians are both qualified and available.
The Senator also referenced Section 6 of the regulation, stipulating that employers must provide evidence that no suitable Liberian can fill a vacancy before hiring a foreign worker. Employers are required to publish vacancy notices for at least one month in two local newspapers, on two local radio stations, and on two Liberian websites. Furthermore, employers must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Labor as proof of the unavailability of a suitable Liberian candidate before a work permit can be issued to a foreigner.
“My concern is that, year in and year out, the Ministry of Labor continues to issue and renew work permits to non-Liberians, even for skilled and unskilled jobs where Liberians are qualified,” Dillon stated. “This undermines the spirit of the law and exacerbates the unemployment crisis in our country, particularly in the private sector.”
The Senator expressed hope that the Senate Plenary would recognize the gravity of the issue and endorse his request to summon the Minister of Labor. He argued that the Minister must address the Senate, explain the Ministry’s actions, and outline the steps being taken to ensure that Liberians are given priority in the job market.
Senator Dillon’s concerns reflect the broader frustration of many Liberians who believe that foreign workers, particularly in industries like construction, hospitality, and retail, occupy jobs that should be reserved for locals. The issue has become especially sensitive considering Liberia’s high unemployment rate and the challenges facing the labor market.
In response to Senator Dillon’s communication, the Senate has referred the matter to its Committee on Labor for further investigation. The committee is tasked with probing the Ministry’s practices in issuing work permits and determining whether these actions align with the Decent Work Act and the 2019 regulations. The committee’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the Senate Plenary for further action.
The Senate’s decision to investigate this issue signals a growing recognition of the need to protect Liberian jobs and ensure that foreign labor is only employed when necessary. With the unemployment rate remaining high, especially among young people, there is mounting pressure on the government to enforce regulations prioritizing Liberian workers in all sectors of the economy.
Senator Dillon remains optimistic that the investigation will illuminate the extent of the problem and lead to reforms that will benefit Liberian workers. “This is not just about following the law—this is about ensuring that Liberians are given the opportunities they deserve in their own country,” Dillon remarked.
The Senate Committee on Labor is expected to begin its investigation immediately, with a report due in the coming weeks. Until then, many Liberians are hopeful that the Senate’s probe will lead to tangible changes in the job market, ensuring that foreign workers are only employed when no qualified Liberians are available, as stipulated by law.
