The Administration Of the labour laws is too important to be reduced to a transaction involving a few dollars.
The Country’s Labour laws are designed not merely to regulate employment, but also to protect the interests of Liberian workers, and ensure that opportunities available are not unfairly denied to qualify Liberians.
At The Ministry of Labour, the Division of Alien Registration and Liberianization is responsible for the administration, investigation, processing, and issuance of work permits to non-Liberian workers.
According To The Ministry’s published procedures, an application for a new alien work permit begins with a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Labour identifying the business or institution, the foreign applicant, nationality, position, passport, and residence-permit information, and job description or terms of reference.
The Applicant Must then complete the required pre-qualification process, and submit supporting documentation,
But on paper, this is a serious and necessary process.
The Country Needs foreign expertise in areas where such expertise is genuinely required. At the same time, however, the presence of foreign workers must not become a substitute for developing, employing, and promoting qualified Liberians.
The Ministry Has also emphasized the need for new work-permit applications to be accompanied by proof that the position was publicly advertised, and evidence demonstrating the non-availability of suitably qualified Liberian citizens.
The Ministry Says this requirement is intended to give qualified Liberians an opportunity to compete for available positions before foreign workers are considered. This is where the real test begins.
Will The Law remain the law when money enters the equation? Liberians have a right to expect that every work-permit application will be processed according to the same rules, regardless of the nationality, wealth, influence, or connections of the applicant or employer.
The Ministry Of Labour itself has demonstrated that enforcement is possible. It has reported work-permit audits, and the revocation of foreign workers’ permits, while also undertaking inspections to enforce work-permit requirements. But enforcement must not be selective.
The Law Must protect the Liberian worker without becoming hostile to legitimate foreign investment.
