⦁ As Western Cluster Staff’s Title Illegally Switches
An investigation by this paper has established that a foreign national, Sagar Sudhakar Bandodkar, who was issued a work permit as Head of Administration on June 27, 2024, is not only operating on an expired permit, but has also illegally switched roles to serve as Senior Human Resource Manager at Western Cluster Limited (WCL).
Mr. Bandodkar, an Indian national, was granted a one-year work permit by the Ministry of Labour, which officially expired on June 27, 2025.
However, evidence suggests that he continues to operate in a new and unauthorized position, raising serious legal and regulatory concerns.
Internal documents reviewed by this paper confirm that Bandodkar is now actively involved in high-level HR and administrative functions, a role not covered under the original terms of his work permit.
Multiple internal communications refer to him as “Head HR & Admin-WCL”, signaling a shift in responsibilities that has not been declared to the authorities.
Copies of his residency and work documents, obtained during the investigation, indicate that both his Permit of Residence (CO-185118) and Work Permit (AWLBRLWP0075158) have expired.
His Indian passport number, P5600037, is directly associated with these expired documents-casting further doubt on the legality of his continued presence and employment in Liberia.
According to reliable sources within the Ministry of Labour, no renewal application or notification of role change has been submitted on Mr. Bandodkar’s behalf.
“No individual, regardless of their employer, is allowed to work in Liberia with an expired permit-especially not in a sensitive HR role,” a Ministry official confirmed, speaking under condition of anonymity.
Further concerns have surfaced regarding whether Mr. Bandodkar’s elevation to the Senior HR role was ever formally declared, as required by the Aliens and Nationality Law and Liberia’s Labour Regulations.
A failure to do so would constitute a clear violation of national employment and immigration statutes.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Western Cluster Limited, a major player in Liberia’s mining sector and a significant contributor to the national economy, has yet to issue an official response.
However, internal emails reviewed by this paper show that Bandodkar reports directly to Adriaan Strydom, Deputy CEO of WCL, and strongly suggesting institutional awareness of the title switch.
As public pressure intensifies, the Ministry of Labor is reportedly weighing a formal investigation into both Bandodkar’s current status and WCL’s adherence to national labor laws.
This case casts a sharp spotlight on Liberia’s foreign employment practices and the robustness of its regulatory enforcement mechanisms.
The public is now asking: Is this just an isolated infraction-or indicative of a broader, systemic loophole being exploited?