Labor Inspectors commissioned to conduct the pending nationwide ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement have been strongly warned against violation of the Decent Work Act, or risk harsh penalties.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 the ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement was initially slated to kick-off across the 15 sub-divisions of the country last July, but was postponed based on numerous appeals from a cross-section of ECOWAS citizens, mainly from neighboring countries, including Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea and the general leadership of the Fulani community.
“It will now start on the 15th of this month,” a Labor Ministry press release issued Wednesday quoted Minister Cooper W. Kruah as disclosing in a briefing with labor inspectors in Monrovia.
Minister Kruah called on the labor inspectors to fully abide by the procedures in the enforcement of the ECOWAS Citizens Work Permit Enforcement, which will be conducted in collaboration with other related government institutions, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the release added.
The Labor Ministry’s Press release further quoted Minister Kruah as regrettably recounting the recent unfortunate incident in which five employees, caught impersonating as labor inspectors in western Liberia, were summarily dismissed, in line with standing regulations for public sector workers, cautioning against repeat of such unwholesome practices which impugn on the good image of the ministry and, by extension, the government.
The Liberian labor boss then assured ECOWAS citizens residing in the country, engaged in informal sector economic activities, to promptly comply with the regulations ensuring the payment of the minimum fee of US$100.00 (one hundred United States dollars) for the permit, renewable annually.
“This is the law, just as it is in other sisterly ECOWAS and other countries around the world, and we expect our fellow citizens here to cooperate with you, our Inspectors, and comply,” the release further quotes Minister Kruah as challenging the Labor Inspectors during the briefing held in the court yard of the ministry in Congo Town.
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah is commending staffs of the ministry for their cooperation and dedication during the first phase of the on-going nation-wide general Alien Work Permit Enforcement, which has raised substantial amounts in support of the national economic drive.