Documents Show Labour Ministry Issues Over 6,000 Work Permit to Foreign Nationals
June 4, 2025
By Laymah Kollie
While millions of Liberians are seeking for jobs in and outside of Liberia, documents have shown that foreign nationals are controlling the Liberian economy back by the Ministry of Labor.
A document presented by the Ministry of Lobor to the Liberian Senate shows that there are over 6,000 work permits issued to non-Africans living in Liberia.
According to report, the Ministry of Labor issued 2,699 (27%) work permits to Non-African Aliens, 6,980 (69%) work permits to Non-Ecowas African Aliens and 438 (4%,) work permits to Ecowas Aliens totaling 10,117 which is (100%). Of this number, 8,802 (87%) are males while 1,315 (13%) are females.
Statistics show that Liberia is rated number eight amongst the world poorest countries with $1,882 GDP-PPP per Capita. Unemployment rate in Liberia is at 2.82% as of 2024.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Labor Minister, Mr. Cooper Kruah said 75% of permits were already issued by the last Administration, which he renewed.
He stated that of the 10,117 work permits granted to Aliens, only 2,484 were issued by Boakai-Koung’s government in 2024. ” You will note further that during the period under review, a total of 7,633 work permits, representing 75% processed through our office, were renewals.
These renewed work permits were processed in favor of aliens who were already in the economy working with various concessions and business institutions in Liberia before our administration; while 2,484 {25%} representing total work permits were processed, , representing those aliens who applied for a new work permit during our administration in 2024.” Minister Kruah said.
The motion to review the Lobor Minister’s documents was made by Senator Prince Moye of Bong following a concern raised by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon few weeks ago. The matter was seized by the Plenary to decide on the next course of action in the coming weeks.
“Liberians are suffering and there is no job while the Labor Ministry is granting work permits to Aliens for jobs that Liberians are qualify for” according senator Dillon the action of the Ministry is putting pressure on the government.
The Minister was first cited to a public hearing where he was charged with providing listing of all work permits granted both during the last and current administration or risk Contempt Charges.
