By Fiona Benson Kollie
The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Labor (MoL) to appear before Plenary on Tuesday, February 24, to present a statistical assessment of the recent ‘foreign work permit fee adjustments.’
The decision followed a communication from Sumo K. Mulbah, Montserrado County District #3. Rep. Mulbah wants to know whether the increase from US$1,000 to US$3,000, has achieved its intended goal of prioritizing employment opportunities for Liberians.
He raised concern that since the policy was introduced in September, 2025, there has been no comprehensive public assessment showing its impact on labor market outcomes.
Mulbah said, oversight is necessary to ensure that the Decent Work Act of 2015, is properly enforced and that workers’ rights are protected.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Cooer W. Kruah, is expected to provide a full briefing supported by verifiable statistical data.
This will include information on the number of new employment opportunities created for Liberians across concession areas and industries, the status of positions formerly occupied by foreign casual workers at Bea Mountain and ArcelorMittal Liberia; comparative statistics on work permit applications since the fee increase; data from the Employment Bureau on Liberians placed into positions previously designated as “alien-only,” and the percentage decrease in foreign work permit renewals alongside any corresponding increase in Liberian employment.