The Ministry of Labor has announced the revocation of 19 out of 21 foreign work permits following a preliminary audit of alien employment records in Montserrado County and its environs.
The sweeping revocations stem from documented cases of misrepresentation, distortion of information, and blatant non-compliance with Liberian laws governing foreign employment.
The audit uncovered a pattern of businesses hiring foreign nationals for roles that do not align with their stated work permit classifications, often understating their actual duties or failing to adhere to application protocols.
The practice, the Ministry notes, undermines the integrity of the labor market and potentially deprives qualified Liberian citizens of job opportunities.
Affected institutions include: United Motors Corporation (UMC) in Vai Town where two foreign nationals have their permits revoked for misrepresentation.
One individual, listed as a manager, was found to be working as a spare parts supervisor, while another, also listed as a manager, was serving as a software specialist.
Pee Cee & Sons, also located in Vai Town, had three work permits rescinded.
All three individuals had been granted permits for branch manager positions but were discovered to be working as salesmen.
At the same time, Stop & Shop Supermarket on 24th Street accounted for the largest number of revocations with six.
Foreign workers at this establishment were reportedly hired under the guise of managerial and technical roles but were found to be performing duties as receptionists, floor supervisors, human resource officers, and warehouse staff.
Disturbingly, some individuals did not even submit proper applications for their permits according to the labour Ministry.
Boulevard Palace on 12th Street had one case where a foreign national, employed as a CEO assistant, was in fact serving as an assistant accountant.
ORCA, situated on 14th Street, saw three permits revoked due to misrepresentation or a complete lack of application.
One individual listed as an export expert was found to be working as a warehouse supervisor, while others held roles as salespersons and warehouse assistants.
International Aluminum Factory on 5th Street had four foreign employees lose their permits.
Despite being hired for roles such as finance analyst, paint specialist, engineer, and branch manager, they were instead found to be serving as office staff, warehouse workers, and desk officers.
The Ministry of Labor emphasized that this audit is an ongoing process and warned that further investigations will be conducted to ensure strict adherence to labor laws and protect the interests of Liberian workers.
Speaking a news conference in Monrovia, Labour Minister Cooper Kruah emphasized that work permits are typically requested by various entities, including concession companies, government ministries, agencies, and bureaus, to secure the legal right for foreign individuals to perform specific jobs in Liberia.
He cited recent requests from the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission as examples of government bodies seeking work permits for individuals to undertake certain tasks.
The Minister urged Liberians to dismiss the misconception that his ministry is issuing jobs that could be performed by Liberians to foreigners.
This statement comes in the wake of significant public outcry and criticism directed at Counselor Kruah for reportedly issuing over 10,000 work permits to foreign nationals in Liberia.
