The Ministry of Labour has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the management of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC), operating in Grand Bassa County.
The Ministry wants LAC to provide justification for its alleged failure to pay work permit fees for foreign employees since the company began operations in 1959, nearly 67 years ago.
Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah said, records in the Ministry’s possession indicate that, despite nearly 70 years of operation, LAC has consistently failed to obtain and pay for labour work permits for its foreign workforce as required by law.
Kruah acknowledged that while LAC has been paying immigration residence permit fees, it has neglected to pay labour-related work permit fees, claiming exemption.
He noted that historical records show previous administrations had requested compliance, but the company failed to adhere. “Former ministers Samuel Kofi Woods, and Moses Y. Kollie, formally communicated with the company on this matter, but their requests were ignored.
This administration is prepared to pursue all legal remedies, including court action, to address this situation.” Mr. Kruah said, a work permit is not merely a tax obligation, but a legal requirement for any foreign national seeking employment.
“LAC has operated for nearly 70 years, and the Ministry possesses documentation detailing the timeline of its employment of foreign workers. The court will ultimately determine the legality of the company’s actions. We are committed to pursuing this matter in accordance with the law.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry has announced the commencement of the first phase of a nationwide inspection and enforcement exercise to ensure compliance with work permit regulations.
This exercise is one of three planned inspections designed to enforce full adherence to the Decent Work Act, particularly provisions relating to the issuance of work permits for foreign workers.
According to Mr. Kruah, the enforcement exercise will be conducted in collaboration with the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and CETIS.
It will cover all employment institutions, including concession areas.
Kruah urged all institutions to ensure that work permits for foreign employees are valid and up to date, and to fully disclose all non-Liberian staff in their employment. He warned that failure to comply will constitute a violation of the law.