Liberians Robbed of Over 7,000 Jobs by Foreign Workers — CSA Faults Labor Ministry

The Liberian Senate has received a detailed report from the Civil Service Agency (CSA) exposing significant violations in the issuance of work permits to foreign nationals. Over 7,000 permits were granted in 2024 for jobs legally reserved for Liberians.

The report, submitted by CSA Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., outlines findings that challenge the implementation of Liberia’s labor laws and the Ministry of Labor’s compliance with the Decent Work Act of 2015.

Titled Analysis of the Alien Work Permit Report – 2024, the document highlights that of the 10,103 work permits issued between January 1 and December 31, 2024, at least 69.5% were for jobs Liberians are legally entitled to perform.

These include skilled and unskilled roles that the Decent Work Act explicitly mandates must be filled by local citizens if they are available and qualified.

According to the report, Indian nationals were the largest group of foreign workers granted permits, comprising over half of all permits issued, followed by Turkish, Chinese, Lebanese, and Zambian nationals.

The top employers of foreign workers were AFCONS, BEA Mountain, and ArcelorMittal, which together accounted for nearly 60% of all permits issued.

The CSA’s analysis found that 6,156 of the 8,792 regular permits, 314 of 438 ECOWAS permits, and 562 of 873 GRATIS permits were issued for positions classified as “Reserved for Liberian Nationals.” These positions span a variety of sectors and skill levels and should have been filled by local job seekers.

Chapter 45.1(c) of the Decent Work Act states that work permits should not be issued if a suitably qualified Liberian is available for the job.

However, the findings reveal a serious lapse in the vetting process, raising questions about the Ministry of Labor’s verification of employer claims regarding the unavailability of Liberian talent.

The report warns that this widespread non-compliance undermines Liberia’s labor liberalization policy, contributes to rising unemployment and underemployment among citizens, and discourages investment in local skills training.

It also highlights the danger of wage depression as a result of relying heavily on cheaper foreign labor.

Dr. Joekai’s report further outlines the risk of eroding public trust in the government’s ability to enforce labor laws. “If Liberians feel they are being denied jobs in their own country, the credibility of our institutions suffers,” the report states, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.

To address the situation, the CSA asked that the Senate establish a Joint Inter-Ministerial Taskforce with full oversight to review and investigate all work permits, especially the 7,032 deemed non-compliant. This body would have the authority to revoke permits found to have been improperly granted.

The report also proposes the creation of a national job portal, where all employers must post job vacancies for at least six to eight weeks before applying to hire a foreign national. This system would be managed by the Ministry of Labor in collaboration with the CSA, ensuring transparency and promoting local recruitment.

The CSA boss recommends regular and unannounced audits of employers to verify the authenticity of positions filled by foreigners and to assess wage levels to establish fair benchmarks for Liberian workers.

To reduce long-term dependency on foreign labor, the CSA urges intensified training and capacity-building initiatives, including public-private partnerships for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and targeted upskilling programs based on a national labor market needs assessment.

The report calls for a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate citizens on their rights regarding employment and the process for reporting violations. Additionally, it encourages employer sensitization sessions to promote compliance with the Decent Work Act and to highlight the benefits of investing in Liberia’s workforce.

Strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Labor, educational institutions, and vocational training centers is also emphasized. Such partnerships would align academic curricula with labor market demands, facilitate student internships, and ensure a pipeline of qualified Liberians for future employment.

The CSA stresses that while foreign expertise plays an important role in national development, it must not displace Liberians from opportunities within their own economy.

“The path to sustainable growth lies in empowering our citizens,” the report affirms, urging the Senate to act decisively in defense of Liberian jobs and livelihoods.