The Ministry of Labor’s abrupt hike in the price of alien work permit has come under severe criticism, with some pundits describing the move as “patriotism at the extreme” and only creates avenues for other agencies of government, like the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), to come up with similar bottlenecks for foreigners residing in Liberia, while others say the Labor Ministry does not have the authority to unilaterally make any increment in the price of the permit.
At a Ministry of Information’s press briefing on Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, announced a 200% increment in Alien Work Permit, from US$1,000 to US$3,000, as part of a broader strategy to encourage companies operating in Liberia to prioritize the hiring of Liberians in concession areas and other companies.
However, the Labor Minister’s announcement has sparked criticism and disappointment from both Liberian and foreign businessmen which, they say, does not reflect the value Liberia places on specialized foreign talents but may serve as a factor to scare away foreign investors. They stated that the fee for work permits is not a punishment; instead, intended to fund the government’s administrative cost, support social services, manage the labor markets and, most times, prevent fraud.
It appears to them that the announcement creates more harm than good for the business community and the consumers, as the foreign businessmen may not give up on their trusted foreign employees for Liberians whom they do not confide in; as a result, they may pay for the permits and redirect the financial burden on the Liberian consumers who need their goods and services for survival.
They revealed that several essential commodities on the Liberian market are being imported by foreign businessmen, and so the government should not begin to create discriminatory laws that will have negative effect on those they claim to protect only to fill their pockets. They observed that Liberia is a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and these kinds of laws may have severe effects on the country’s business environment. They urged the Labor Minister to rethink his decision and consult properly before making such a pronouncement.
Speaking to the Hot Pepper on Sunday based on anonymity, a business executive told the paper that Minister Kruah’s action is unjustifiable and, in fact, he does not have the authority to unilaterally increase the prices of permits without the involvement of the National Legislature. The business executive argued that the responsibility of the Labor Ministry is to execute laws made by the first branch of government, but not to override that branch’s authority by making laws.
The business executive described Cllr. Kruah’s action as erroneous, and urged him to take corrective measures before the consequences set in.
Also, the President of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), Natty B. Davis, observed that the minister’s pronouncement came as a surprise, as they were neither consulted nor informed about the decision.
Davis disclosed that the Chamber of Commerce has set up a committee to meet with the Labor Minister on Monday, September 8, 2025 to understand the reasons behind the pronouncement.
In addition, the former President of the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), Philipbert S. Browne, said he listened to Minister Kruah’s announcement with total confusion, shock and disbelief, wondering how does one encourage companies to hire Liberians through excessive fines.
Browne, also Publisher of the Hot Pepper, said the stance by the Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Labor, to create job opportunities for Liberians is highly patriotic and commendable, but at the far extreme. He said there is absolutely no justification to increase Alien Work Permit by 200%, describing the move as illegal, unjustified and should be condemned by all well-meaning Liberians.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am a patriotic Liberian and only have noble intentions for the motherland, but I am also a well read and knowledgeable person,” he quickly pointed out.
He quoted Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion: “For every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction,” and noted that the unintended consequences from the Labor Minister’s decision will be costly if caution is not exercised at this point. He said every well-meaning Liberian wants the government to create job opportunities for its citizens, but not at the detriment of the most productive, profitable, sustainable and successful aspect of the economy. “The foreign companies would definitely fight back, forcing the government hand for a middle ground to be formed,” he predicted.
Browne recommended that President Joseph N. Boakai put a special taskforce of honorable Liberians in place that can visit foreign businesses, obtain a list of foreigners employed per company, review their work permit and job description. After the exercise, let the taskforce make a determination as to the jobs that can be managed by Liberians relative to the available Liberian credentials.