By: Laymah Kollie
In a effort to regain jobs for Liberians in foreign companies and businesses, The committee on Labor at the Liberian Senate is proposing to the Plenary of the Senate to mandate the Minister of Labor to ensure every foreign institution employ Liberians in all departments.
The committee recommendation comes following a thorough investigation into work permits issuance to foreigners for job officially reserved for Liberians.
Statistics provided by the Ministry of Labour to the Legislature shows that foreigners occupied over seven thousand jobs reserve for Liberians.
Presenting the analysis to Plenary on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, Civil Service Agency Director Joseph Joekai revealed that 7,032 Jobs meant for Liberians have been given to Aliens through work permit issued by the Labor Ministry in 2024.
The analysis showed that AFCONS, Bea Mountain and Arcelor Mittal are major employers of foreigners in Liberia.
The number of aliens employed by companies shows AFCONS- 3319, BEA Mountain-1895 and Arcelor Mittal-728.
The CSA report submitted to the Liberian Senate provide an in-depth analysis of the issuance of work permits to foreign nationals in Liberia.
The data led the August body to conduct further investigation through its Labour Committee. The Committee Chairman Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh today presenting its recommendations to Plenary requested Labour Minister Cooper Kruah to enforce the employment of Liberians in Foreign Companies.
Senator Nimely said when by practicing ‘skills transfer’ Liberians will have the opportunity to learn on the job; creating the means for more qualified citizens in the workplace.
“In order to acquire job related experience and promote skills to the Liberian Labor force, the committee on Labor also recommends that the Minister should require the institution to employ Liberians within each of its department as a means of skills transfer. For example, a Mechanical department should hire a Liberian, Electrical department, etc. either as an entry level or professional”
The action is inline with the foundational principles and specific provisions of the Decent Work Act (DWA) of 2015, particularly Chapters 45.1 and 45.5, which underscore the paramount importance of prioritizing Liberian citizens for employment opportunities.
