Labour Minister Kruah admits issuing Work Waivers.

By: Kruah Thompson

Liberia’s Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah has admitted to issuing waivers or temporary work permits to foreign nationals but strongly denied allegations that the process was done in secrecy, as reported by some local media outlets.

Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, Minister Kruah said his actions were in line with the Decent Work Act, which allows the presiding minister to issue waivers or short term permits when necessary.

“It’s not illegal,” Kruah stressed. “In fact, this is not the first time such permits have been issued. The past administration under President Weah also issued similar waivers.”

Recent reports suggested the Labour Ministry was secretly issuing permits to foreign nationals for jobs meant for Liberians. A social media post alleged that the minister personally signed off on 42 waivers without public disclosure.

But Kruah dismissed those reports as misleading, pointing out that the letters bore the official Ministry of Labour letterhead and his signature evidence that the process was not hidden.

“In my mind, that was unfair reporting,” he said. “If something is secret, why would it carry my signature and the ministry’s official seal?”

Kruah also criticized the media outlet that broke the story, saying they failed to contact his office for clarification before publication. “My office is always open. If you need information, come to us,” he said. “Avoid spreading unverified reports that could damage reputations or mislead the public.”

He clarified that regular work permits are valid for 12 months and must be renewed afterward. In cases where individuals, including foreigners, request permission to work for short periods such as two or three months the minister is legally permitted to issue temporary waivers.

Kruah said all fees collected for these permits are paid directly to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and the Labour Ministry’s role is simply to issue the documentation after payment confirmation.

In response to the ongoing concerns, Kruah revealed that the Ministry is currently conducting an audit of all work permits issued to foreign nationals.

“We’ve revoked several foreign permits recently for noncompliance. Once revoked, the Immigration Service is notified to update the residency status of the individuals. If you don’t have a valid permit, you must stop working and leave the country,” he added.

He also gave a detailed breakdown of permit fees including Regular foreign work permits: $1,000 USD; ECOWAS nationals: $100 USD; Spouses of Liberians and local graduates: $50 USD amongst other

“These fees are not arbitrary,” Kruah emphasized. “They are set by law and applied consistently.”

“In conclusion, Minister Kruah revealed that as part of ongoing reforms, the Ministry of Labour has launched an audit of work permits previously issued to foreign nationals.

As a result of the audit, 14 work permits belonging to companies operating in Liberia have been revoked.

However, he clarified that it is not within the Ministry’s authority to compel foreign nationals to leave the country but expressed confidence that once the proper steps are taken, they will eventually depart.”