CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon says he is backing off from his persistent, often “combative,” advocacy on the issuance of work permits to foreigners—a stance he said was rooted in his desire to protect job opportunities for Liberians.
By Obediah Johnson
For months, Senator Dillon has mounted pressure at the Liberian Senate, accusing Labour Minister Cooper Kruah of “selling” large numbers of work permits to foreigners, even for positions that legally and reasonably should be reserved for qualified Liberians. He argued that many permits were granted without transparency, with missing job descriptions, categories, and other requirements mandated by law, including the Decent Work Act.
His criticism led to Minister Kruah being summoned multiple times to the Senate, triggering sharp verbal exchanges, including from officials of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the party chaired by Minister Kruah.
But on Thursday, Senator Dillon softened his tone, pledging to disengage from what he described as a “combative” approach.
His shift followed a closed-door meeting with Minister Kruah and Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Chair of the Senate Committee on Labour, at Dillon’s Capitol Building office.
“Nothing Personal” – Dillon
Speaking to legislative reporters after the meeting, Senator Dillon denied suggestions that his aggressive advocacy stemmed from personal differences with Minister Kruah.
He described the closed-door engagement as “the right thing to do.”
“We were seeking answers to questions and concerns we have regarding work permits and how we can get jobs for our people. We will continue to push. There is nothing personal against the Minister,” he said.
Dillon noted that his relationship with Kruah spans more than 25 years, dating back to his days as Special Assistant to the Solicitor General. He stressed that his advocacy was driven by his obligation to ensure Liberians have employment opportunities.
“Instead of coming across as combative, it’s better we have an understanding of what exactly the Labour Minister is doing—how many work permits are being revoked, not renewed, and what happens to those positions,” Dillon added.
When asked whether he still believes work permits are being “sold,” Dillon responded: “Once we’re receiving money for work permits or revenue, that’s sale in my view.”
He emphasized that the meeting did not mean all his doubts had been resolved, but said it was a positive step toward securing jobs for Liberians.
Kruah Blames ‘Missing Links,’ Pledges Quarterly Updates
Minister Kruah attributed Dillon’s outbursts to “missing links” in communication between the Labour Ministry and the Senate Committee on Labour.
He disclosed that it was agreed during the meeting that the ministry will provide quarterly updates to the committee.
“What happened here is that there was a missing link in the flow of information,” he said. “We’ve agreed to take steps to ensure those gaps are addressed.”
Kruah said the ministry would also offer recommendations to the committee, possibly including proposed amendments to the Decent Work Act for clarity.
He insisted the ministry is taking steps to ensure jobs that Liberians are capable of performing are not granted to foreigners.
“For now, the law gives the Minister discretionary power. We will continue to use that until such time the Senate and the ministry are aligned,” he added.
The minister emphasized that constructive engagement among government officials is essential for national progress.
Permit Fee Increased to US$3,000
Kruah revealed that the work permit fee has been raised to US$3,000 to discourage companies from hiring non-essential foreign workers. He said companies including Bea Mountain Mining Company, AFCON and WHBO have already downsized some of their foreign staff as a result.
He expressed hope that Liberians will fill the resulting vacancies.
Kruah dismissed allegations that he was selling work permits.
“There is nothing like the sale of work permits. The law requires that foreigners seeking employment in Liberia must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour,” he said.
Labour Committee Chair Denies Rift
Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, rejected claims that Dillon was intimidating or undermining Minister Kruah.
He acknowledged that the committee had not been receiving the necessary updates from the ministry.
“We recommended that every three months we should receive reports on how many jobs were denied to foreigners and how many Liberians benefited. Those reports have not been coming,” he said.
He praised the meeting as a positive development that “sets the stage for appropriate discussions concerning labor and jobs for Liberians.”
Meeting Follows Appointment of Dillon’s Staff
The meeting came just days after Dillon’s office staff, John Kangbah, was appointed Inspector of Labour by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Dillon is reported to have recommended Kangbah to replace Charles Brown, whom he had also recommended earlier.
Brown was recently dismissed after a video of him assaulting a Chinese national went viral on social media.
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