President Joseph N. Boakai, during a meeting with the Liberian Community in Italy on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to repositioning Liberia through a skilled and educated workforce that would drive national development.
President Boakai outlined his vision of leveraging Liberia’s human resources abroad, particularly students, to contribute to the country’s progress, and committed to appoint a Liberian Ambassador to Italy to assist in strengthening ties between Liberia and that nation. Boakai stressed the importance of creating an environment that encourages skilled Liberians abroad to return home and participate in nation-building.
“The development of Liberia depends on the talents and expertise of its people. We must work to ensure that Liberians, wherever they are, feel welcomed and encouraged to return home to contribute their skills and knowledge”, the President said, while suggesting that there are approximately 5,000 Liberians living in Italy.
He said developed countries are more likely to approve student visas when they see that graduates intend to return and apply their knowledge at home.
He urged Liberians in Italy to work closely with the country’s embassy in Rome to regularize their residence statuses. For her part, Theresa Peters, Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in Italy, commended the Liberian community, particularly students, for maintaining a peaceful and crime-free presence in Italy.
She pledged the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to working in the best interests of Liberians living in the country. Also, several students raised concerns about challenges in obtaining or renewing visas, calling for the establishment of a consulate in Ivory Coast to help address their issues.
But responding, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah assured them that the Liberian Government will collaborate with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the challenges. He said the government is committed to improving the situation of students studying abroad.
