By: Kruah Thompson
Liberia’s Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah has admitted to issuing waivers or non permanent work permits to overseas nationals however strongly denied allegations that the method was executed in secrecy, as reported by some native media shops.
Talking Thursday in the course of the Ministry of Data, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) common press briefing, Minister Kruah mentioned his actions had been in step with the First rate Work Act, which permits the presiding minister to concern waivers or brief time period permits when obligatory.
“It’s not unlawful,” Kruah harassed. “In actual fact, this isn’t the primary time such permits have been issued. The previous administration underneath President Weah additionally issued comparable waivers.”
Current reviews advised the Labour Ministry was secretly issuing permits to overseas nationals for jobs meant for Liberians. A social media submit alleged that the minister personally signed off on 42 waivers with out public disclosure.
However Kruah dismissed these reviews as deceptive, declaring that the letters bore the official Ministry of Labour letterhead and his signature proof that the method was not hidden.
“In my thoughts, that was unfair reporting,” he mentioned. “If one thing is secret, why wouldn’t it carry my signature and the ministry’s official seal?”
Kruah additionally criticized the media outlet that broke the story, saying they did not contact his workplace for clarification earlier than publication. “My workplace is all the time open. For those who want info, come to us,” he mentioned. “Keep away from spreading unverified reviews that would injury reputations or mislead the general public.”
He clarified that common work permits are legitimate for 12 months and have to be renewed afterward. In circumstances the place people, together with foreigners, request permission to work for brief intervals reminiscent of two or three months the minister is legally permitted to concern non permanent waivers.
Kruah mentioned all charges collected for these permits are paid on to the Liberia Income Authority (LRA), and the Labour Ministry’s function is just to concern the documentation after cost affirmation.
In response to the continuing issues, Kruah revealed that the Ministry is at present conducting an audit of all work permits issued to overseas nationals.
“We’ve revoked a number of overseas permits just lately for noncompliance. As soon as revoked, the Immigration Service is notified to replace the residency standing of the people. For those who don’t have a sound allow, you could cease working and go away the nation,” he added.
He additionally gave an in depth breakdown of allow charges together with Common overseas work permits: $1,000 USD; ECOWAS nationals: $100 USD; Spouses of Liberians and native graduates: $50 USD amongst different
“These charges aren’t arbitrary,” Kruah emphasised. “They’re set by legislation and utilized constantly.”
“In conclusion, Minister Kruah revealed that as a part of ongoing reforms, the Ministry of Labour has launched an audit of labor permits beforehand issued to overseas nationals.
Because of the audit, 14 work permits belonging to firms working in Liberia have been revoked.
Nevertheless, he clarified that it isn’t inside the Ministry’s authority to compel overseas nationals to depart the nation however expressed confidence that after the correct steps are taken, they may ultimately depart.”
