The Ministry of Labour has revoked 19 foreign work permits due to misrepresentation, as part of the ongoing Alien Work Permits Audit Exercise. On June 2, 2025, the Ministry of Labour initiated a nationwide physical audit exercise that involved scrutinizing twenty-one businesses in Montserrado County. This led to the revocation of 19 work permits. Labour Minister Cooper Kruah stated during the exercise that inspection teams thoroughly audited the work permits of foreign workers employed by various businesses. In a news conference held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Ministry of Labour office, Minister Kruah noted that some companies, when applying for work permits, listed different job titles while their employees were performing jobs that fell outside those permits.
He warned that the 19 foreign workers whose permits have been revoked may soon have their residence permits revoked by the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), as the Ministry will forward their names for this purpose. Among the businesses and their employees involved are:
United Motors Corporation (UMC) in Vai Town:
- Anil Kumar – Position applied for: Manager, Accounts Software Specialist; Job being done: Accounts Manager.
- Cassimiro Cabiling – Position applied for: Manager; Job being done: Spare Parts Supervisor.
Pee Cee & Sons in Vai Town:
- Sunil Chatrinani – Position applied for: Branch Manager; Job being done: Salesman.
- Prakash Meghhwal – Position applied for: Branch Manager; Job being done: Salesman.
- Naveen Kourani – Position applied for: Branch Manager; Job being done: Salesman.
Minister Kruah emphasized that this action is in accordance with Section 45.1, Subsection c. ii of the Decent Work Act, which states that possession of a residence permit is a prerequisite for the issuance of a work permit. “It is also important to note that during these audits, our teams discovered some foreign workers actively working in offices, behind counters, or in warehouses without having submitted any application for a work permit or possessing one,” he added. The Minister further revealed that those found working without valid work permits are also being addressed according to Chapter 45, Subsections 45.1 a & b, which stipulate: (a) An employer shall not employ a foreign worker unless they possess a current work permit issued by the Ministry, and (b) A foreign worker shall not commence work in Liberia before obtaining a work permit.
He mentioned that there will be regular press briefings to share relevant information, provide updates, and address any public concerns or inquiries. In the coming weeks and months, the Ministry plans to deploy more teams in the field to complete the audits in Montserrado County before moving on to other counties. “We are committed to ensuring that businesses comply with our labor laws. Those found in violation have been fined or subjected to other penalties, as we have announced today,” he said. He also added that “since our incumbency, we have facilitated direct contractual and permanent employment opportunities for many qualified citizens in various companies.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Labour has reached out to institutions and business owners to secure at least 1,000 vacation jobs for students and will soon announce the results to the public. He assured the public that the Ministry is striving to ensure the efficient and effective administration of the labor sector.
