Published: June 25, 2025
Monrovia, Liberia — The Ministry of Labor has revoked 19 foreign work permits following an initial audit of alien employment records in Montserrado County and surrounding areas, citing widespread misrepresentation and procedural violations.
Out of 21 foreign workers reviewed in this first phase of the audit, only two permits were found to be in compliance with Liberia’s labor laws, according to the Ministry’s report released Tuesday.
Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah said the revocations are part of a broader initiative aimed at cleaning up the work permit system and ensuring that foreign nationals are employed lawfully and based on genuine qualifications.
“This exercise is aimed at cleaning up the system to ensure that foreign workers are employed based on genuine qualifications and legal processes,” Kruah said. “We are committed to transparency and accountability in the labor sector.”
The audit uncovered cases where foreign nationals were granted permits for managerial and technical roles but were found performing unrelated, often lower-level tasks. In several instances, no formal applications had been submitted at all.
Institutions cited in the Ministry’s findings include:
United Motors Corporation (UMC), Vai Town – Two foreign nationals had permits revoked. One, listed as a manager, was working as a spare parts supervisor; another, also designated as a manager, was found working as a software specialist.
Pee Cee & Sons, Vai Town – Three permits were canceled. All individuals were issued permits for branch manager roles but were working as salesmen.
Stop & Shop Supermarket, 24th Street – Six permits were revoked. Foreign employees designated as managers and technical staff were actually serving as receptionists, floor supervisors, human resource officers, and warehouse assistants. Some had not submitted any work permit applications.
Boulevard Palace, 12th Street – One foreign worker listed as a CEO assistant was instead working as an assistant accountant.
ORCA, 14th Street – Three permits were rescinded. One individual was listed as an export expert but was working as a warehouse supervisor; others held positions as salespersons and warehouse assistants.
International Aluminum Factory, 5th Street – Four permits were revoked. The employees, approved as a finance analyst, paint specialist, engineer, and branch manager, were instead working in non-specialized roles such as desk officers, warehouse workers, and office staff.
The Labor Ministry noted that the revocations were based on violations including false declarations, job misclassifications, and failure to follow formal application procedures.
Kruah said the exercise marks the beginning of a nationwide compliance effort to enforce existing labor laws and ensure that employment opportunities are safeguarded for Liberians.
“This is just the beginning,” he stated. “We will ensure that our labor market operates fairly, transparently, and within the bounds of the law.”
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