Speaking to this paper on condition of anonymity, dozens of agents from the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), including senior officers, have raised serious concerns over underpayment and poor welfare conditions.
Documents in possession of this paper show that even high-ranking officers such as Lieutenant Colonels and Deputy Chiefs are earning a gross salary as low as US$215 and US$245 per month in gross salary respectively, while some lower-level agents reportedly earn below US$150.
The discontent stems from a series of employment and appointment letters recently obtained by this paper. For instance, a letter dated December 1, 2024, addressed to Ms.
Tonia N. Toure, confirms her appointment to the LIS with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, at an annual gross salary of US$2,580-equivalent to US$215 per month.
Another letter, dated March 20, 2024, also addressed to the Deputy Chief of Logistics, reflects an annual salary of US$2,940, or roughly US$245 per month.
These figures highlight what dozens of agents describe as a “demoralizing wage structure” for personnel tasked with securing the nation’s borders and upholding immigration laws throughout the country.
One senior officer who requested anonymity remarked:
“We risk our lives every day at various border crossing points, yet we are paid salaries that can’t even feed our families and cater for our personal needs. It’s a complete disregard for the sacrifices we make and for the security of the Liberian people.”
The LIS is a para-military agency under the Ministry of Justice, mandated to enforce the Alien and Nationality Law of the Republic of Liberia. Despite its critical national role, agents claim they continue to work under poor welfare conditions and without the necessary tools and incentives.
Repeated calls by staff for salary reviews and welfare improvement have reportedly gone unanswered. Some agents are now considering a formal petition to the government, calling for immediate intervention to address salary disparities and provide adequate support.
As of press time, the Liberia Immigration Service had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by its officers
