A release said, Labor Minister, Cooper W. Kruah has, with immediate effect revoked alien ‘work permits’ for 19 expatriate workers.
According to the release, those affected by the decision, are to be forwarded to the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) for possible deportation on charges of “distortion or misrepresentation.”
A Labor Ministry press release issued quotes Mr. Kruah as revealing at a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, at his EJS Ministerial Complex office that the revocation of the alien work permits is just the beginning of a major shakeup ongoing within the labor sector under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ‘Rescue Mission.’
Kruah told Journalists that the ongoing alien work permits audit exercise launched a few weeks ago, is intended to ensure strict compliance with the relevant provisions of The Decent Work Act, which prohibits misrepresentation to obtain work permit.
Kruah: “Since we took over the ministry, we have ensured that businesses abide by the Labor Laws of our country and those found in violation of our laws have been fined or made to face other penal measures, like we have announced early.”
He added: “My administration has caused many qualified citizens to gain direct contractual and permanent employment with some companies.”
Among investment conglomerates whose expatriate workers were affected by the ministry’s alien work permits revocation action are the United Motors Corporation (UMC), Pee Cee and Sons, Stop and Shop Supermarket and ORCA.
Others are Boulevard Palace and International Aluminum Factory. Meanwhile, Mr. Kruah has announced the commencement of the second phase of the annual student’s vacation job program, aimed at providing financial subsidies to needy students.
Unlike last year where a little over 300 school going youth benefited, this year’s project targets about 1,000 beneficiaries.