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By: Kruah Thompson
Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah has broken his silence over recent allegations made by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon regarding the unauthorized issuance of foreign work permits.
Minister Kruah says the senator’s claims are politically motivated and based on personal grudge with the MDR rather them facts
Addressing journalists Tuesday June 17, 2025, at MICAT weekly briefing, Minister Kruah dismissed accusations that his ministry issued over 8,000 illegal work permits to foreign nationals.
He clarified that all permits were processed in accordance with Liberia’s labour laws and the Decent Work Act.
“The permits issued were based on established procedures. What Senator Dillon is saying is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. This is not about policy, it’s personal,” Minister Kruah stated.
According to the Minister, many of the foreign nationals currently working in Liberia were already employed by concession companies such as Firestone, Bea Mountain, CEMENCO, and others prior to the current administration taking office.
He emphasized that the government has not brought in any new concession companies since taking over but has continued to regulate existing workforces through legal means.
“When we took over, those companies already had foreign staff on board. The Decent Work Act allows us to issue and renew work permits for foreigners who desire to work in Liberia,” he explained.
Minister Kruah revealed that in 2024 alone, the Ministry of Labor processed a total of 9,468 work permit applications. Of these, 2,884 were for new applica 2,200 permits were issued to new foreign workers. The remaining were renewals or applications from diplomatic and exempt institutions such as the United Nations and embassies.
Breaking down the figures, the Minister noted that 9,468 total applications was received, and 2,200 new work permits issued.
Of the total amount he says 2,884 new applicants was accepted under the current administration; 6080 permits issued to non-African foreign nationals (Lebanese, Indians, etc.), constituting 79% of permits; 2,699 permits issued to non-ECOWAS African nationals, mostly in the mining sector.
Minister Kruah emphasized that of the total processed applications 8,792 were approved; 857 were denied; 558 were issued to ECOWAS citizens: 948 were gratis permits issued to ECOWAS nationals.
“There is no government in the world that would come in and cancel all valid foreign work permits. Doing so would cripple the economy,” the Minister asserted. “What we did was continue from where the previous government left off, while ensuring compliance.”
He added that all revenue generated from permit processing, which rose to over US$9 million, was remitted to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), not retained by the Ministry.
Responding to Senator Dillon’s statement that the Ministry is denying Liberians jobs by issuing 8,000 permits to foreigners, Kruah remarked, “When you go to the press and make such claims without context, you incite the public and undermine the credibility of our institution.”
Minister Kruah further suggested that instead of launching public attacks, lawmakers like Senator Dillon should engage the ministry directly or work through legislative means to address any concerns.
“If there’s something we need support on, such as capacity building or funding, the Legislature can intervene through the budget process,” he noted. “But don’t mislead the public with inaccurate numbers.”
Meanwhile he says Sen. Dillo attack on the MDR is not new particularly serving as the national chairman, the senator thought to expand his grudge to him. But what he saying is far from the truth
In closing, Minister Kruah reiterated that the Decent Work Act gives discretionary authority to the Minister of Labor under Chapter 45, and that no part of the Act exclusively reserves jobs for Liberians without allowing flexibility.
However, he claimed that if they must cancel giving work permit to foreign nationals, it is not his decision to make, but rather such decision must come from the president.
Meanwhile, Civil Service Agency Director General Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. has listed Arcelormittal Liberia, Bea Mountain Mining Company, as leading companies that have awarded Liberians job to foreigners.
He alleged that the companies are in violation of the country’s Decent Work Act and the Liberianazation Policy, while noting that seven thousand thirty-two jobs secure for Liberians were awarded to foreigners in 2024.
His presentation before the Senate Planery appears to have in parts confirmed Sen. Dillon’s assertion.
