Liberia Immigration Service Warns Against Fraudulent Resident Permit Practices, Condemns Media Allegations

The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has warned the general public and foreign residents in Liberia against engaging immigration officers as accomplices in the illegal acquisition of resident permits and other immigration documents.

According to LIS leadership, ongoing investigations have uncovered that some compromised officers have been issuing fraudulent resident permits to clients, thereby granting illegal residency status to foreign nationals in the country.

The Immigration Service emphasized that the acquisition of resident permits is conducted strictly through a digital online process, with all required fees paid directly into government-designated accounts.

LIS officials said any deviation from this process is illegal. LIS further assured the public that upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, appropriate actions will be taken against those found culpable, in strict accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia.

Meanwhile, the Liberia Immigration Service has condemned what it described as unprofessional and misleading reporting by Rescue TV/GAR, an emerging media platform.

LIS accused the outlet of publishing unverified information on January 23, 2026 and engaging in actions intended to damage the credibility and integrity of the institution’s leadership.

The Service said Rescue TV failed to conduct due diligence before publishing allegations on its Facebook platforms accusing LIS Commissioner General, Col. Elijah Rufus, and the leadership of misconduct and administrative irregularities.

LIS further noted that officers currently under investigation for issuing fake resident permits and other immigration documents are among those supplying misinformation to the media outlet.

The Liberia Immigration Service reiterated its commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency, stressing that Liberia deserves a credible and professional immigration system.