By: Melvin Flomo
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Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Liberian Senate’s Committee on Labor has presented its official report to plenary, urging tighter enforcement of existing labor laws governing the issuance of alien work permits to foreign nationals employed in the country.
The report, submitted by Hon. Thomas Yaya Nimely, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, comes in the wake of a June 4 appearance by Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah, who was summoned by the Senate to clarify procedures surrounding the employment of foreign workers in Liberia.
In its findings, the committee reviewed the list of foreign employees submitted by the Ministry of Labor, cross-referenced with the provisions of the 2015 Decent Work Act particularly Chapter 45, Section 45.1, which outlines the legal framework for work permit issuance. The Act stipulates that foreign nationals must not be employed without a valid work permit, and employers are mandated to ensure permits are secured prior to the commencement of employment.
Among key recommendations, the committee advised:
1. Stakeholder Engagement: Employers should be invited by the Labor Committee to explain why certain positions are being occupied by foreigners when qualified Liberians are available.
2. Legal Compliance: The Ministry of Labor must enforce work permit laws to the letter. The Minister is required to issue permits in line with the law and submit quarterly reports to the Senate detailing job gains and, where applicable, job losses within the Liberian labor market.
3. Transparent Hiring Process: All job vacancies must be publicly advertised. Employers must document these advertisements to the Ministry, which in turn must ensure Liberians are considered for these positions.
4. Advance Notification: Employers and work permit holders must be notified at least three months before permit expiration if renewal is unlikely.
5. Skills Transfer Policy: The committee is calling for the implementation of a skills transfer strategy. Institutions employing foreign professionals must hire Liberians within respective departments such as electrical or mechanical divisions either at entry-level or professional positions, to allow for on-the-job training and capacity building.
The committee emphasized that these actions are necessary not only to safeguard employment opportunities for Liberians but also to ensure that the foreign workforce is regulated in line with national law.
The report has been officially submitted for consideration by plenary.
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