Ganta, Nimba County – Liberia’s Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, has announced the suspension of work permit issuance and renewals for unskilled expatriates. This decision will take effect once the current work permits of foreign workers employed in unskilled positions by various concession companies expire.
By Franklin Doloquee, Nimba County
The announcement follows Minister Kruah’s tour of several concession facilities, including Western Cluster, Bea Mountain, and ArcelorMittal Liberia in Grand Bassa and Nimba Counties, where he addressed issues related to the Labour Law and the treatment of Liberian workers.
Speaking to our Nimba County correspondent, Minister Kruah said his decision is based on numerous complaints from affected communities and Liberians employed as contractors. The complaints centered around the excessive number of unskilled expatriates filling roles that qualified Liberians could perform.
Government’s Commitment to Liberians First
Minister Kruah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Liberians are given priority for jobs in their own country. “We cannot allow our citizens to continue suffering while foreign unskilled workers are employed, and our citizens remain as contractors. Concession companies must begin replacing unskilled foreign workers with qualified Liberians,” he urged.
The Minister’s stance is a response to what he described as the failure of some concession companies to offer full employment to Liberians, instead relegating them to contractor status while unskilled foreign workers enjoy better treatment.
Labour Law Education for Concession Companies
During his tour, Minister Kruah emphasized the importance of educating both the management of concession companies and employees about Liberia’s Labour Law. He stressed that adherence to the law is crucial for fostering a harmonious working relationship between employers and workers.
“The tour was intended to provide some level of education on how concession companies and their employees can work together to achieve their goals while complying with the law,” Kruah said.
He added that many companies, including ArcelorMittal Liberia, Bea Mountain, and Western Cluster, have failed to provide fair opportunities to Liberians, particularly by employing foreign unskilled workers in positions that Liberians could fill.
Work Permit Suspension
Minister Kruah made it clear that the Ministry of Labour will no longer issue or renew work permits for unskilled foreign workers in concession companies. “The suspension of work permit renewals is a necessary step to ensure that more job opportunities are created for qualified Liberians,” he stated.
He also warned concession companies that they must establish better working relationships with their employees and prioritize the employment of Liberians over foreigners in unskilled positions.
In conclusion, Minister Kruah’s tour of the concession facilities highlighted the need for greater compliance with Liberia’s Labour Law and emphasized the government’s focus on ensuring that concession companies provide fair employment opportunities to Liberians.
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