The Minister of Labor, Cooper W. Kruah, told journalists at the Ministry of Information weekly press briefing that the Labor Ministry, has up-to-date, issued and renewed 7,633 work permits to foreign nationals.
Also, 2,400 are ‘new applications’ that have been approved, according to him.
The foreign nationals, Kruah said, are currently employed across various sectors of the economy.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
While addressing journalists, Mr. Kruah provided critical insight into the rationale behind the government’s labor permit issuance policy and its broader implications for the country’s job market, economic development and national security.
Kruah’s remarks came with a report on the government’s ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking, including recent developments and projected interventions.
“At present,” he said, “there is no official government policy in place to suspend work permits for foreign nationals.”
Instead, the Ministry of Labor has continued to monitor and regulate the employment of foreigners through a structured work permit system, which ensures that Liberian workers are not displaced by foreign hires.
According to Kruah, 7,633 work permits have been renewed, with 2,400 being new applications approved under the current administration.
Mr. Kruah noted that most of the foreign nationals currently employed had been working in the country before the new administration assumed office in 2024.
“It makes no sense for the government to abruptly suspend all foreign work permits,” Kruah said, adding: “Many of the individuals in question were already employed when Unity Party-led government took over. These foreign workers are integrated into companies operating in the country’s economic zones, including mining, agriculture, construction and hospitality.”
Kruah, a lawyer by profession, specifically cited Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC); a major mining company operating in Grand Cape Mount County, as a significant employer of both Liberians and foreigners.
According to him, the company employed 2,763 workers in 2023, a figure that has now risen to 4,671 under the current government’s watch.
While acknowledging the increase in employment, he noted that there are disparities in remuneration between Liberian and foreign workers.
Kruah explained that foreign employees often receive higher wages, “because they are usually assigned to highly technical or specialized roles.”
“For instance, while a Liberian employee may earn about US$650 monthly, a foreign worker could earn up to $2,000,” he said.
“However, it’s important to understand that many of these foreigners are operating special machinery and trucks, often working underground to extract minerals. These roles demand specific technical skills that are not yet widely available in our local labor pool.”
Kruah assured that the Labor Ministry building the capacity of Liberians so they can eventually fill ‘these technical roles.’
The goal, he said, is to gradually reduce dependence on foreign workers without compromising the productivity of companies operating in the country.
“Our approach is balanced; we are encouraging responsible foreign investment, while at the same time, prioritizing the empowerment of Liberians through training and certification programs,” he added.
“The long-term vision is to ensure that Liberians can compete for high-paying jobs that are currently dominated by expatriates.”
To this end, the ministry is collaborating with various technical and vocational education institutions, both public and private to develop training programs tailored to the needs of key sectors such as mining, construction, and energy.
“We are not just managing labor permits; we are planning for the future,” Kruah said.
The idea is to ensure that in the next five to 10 years, Liberians will have the skills and qualifications to perform in roles now dominated by foreigners.
In reinforcing the ministry’s oversight mechanisms, Kruah explained that the issuance of work permits is governed by the Decent Work Act of 2015.
The Act provides the legal foundation for the protection of labor rights, fair wages, and decent working conditions.
It also mandates that foreign workers can only be employed when no qualified Liberians are available for the position.
“We have a robust monitoring framework,” Kruah said, noting: “Every work permit is carefully reviewed, and employers are required to submit evidence that the position cannot be filled by a Liberian before a foreign national is approved.”
Furthermore, employers must also comply with localization plans, which outline a roadmap for replacing foreign staff with Liberians over a specified period.
Kruah emphasized that companies that violate these regulations face stiff penalties, including fines, suspension of operations, and legal actions.