2 Mins Read
ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: Liberia’s Ministry of Labour has clarified that the recent increase in the annual Alien Work Permit fee from US$1,000 to US$3,000 is not connected to any imminent rise in the national minimum wage for private sector workers.
Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr. said the adjustment was an independent policy measure and should not be interpreted as a sign of an upcoming wage hike.
“The ongoing consultations by the National Minimum Wage Board have not reached any decision regarding an adjustment in the current pay level for private sector workers,” Kruah said.
He explained that meetings of the National Minimum Wage Board are a regular process under Liberia’s Decent Work Act (DWA), and that any recommendations from the Board must first be endorsed by the Cabinet and approved by the National Legislature before taking effect.
Kruah noted that although the Board is required to meet annually, it had not convened for more than a decade under successive administrations until the current government resumed its work.
A Labour Ministry press release issued over the weekend said the clarification followed widespread speculation that the Board had agreed to raise the private sector minimum wage from US$143 in line with the new Alien Work Permit fee. The ministry said such reports are false.
The minister emphasized that both the increase in work permit fees and the minimum wage review are routine statutory functions under the DWA. He said the initiatives aim to strengthen Liberia’s labor sector and expand employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
“At this stage, we are reluctant to confirm any increase in our current minimum wage for private sector workers,” Kruah said, adding that the government remains committed to consulting with its tripartite constituents — government, employers and workers — before making any final decisions.
Kruah defended the fee hike, saying it is intended to reduce the influx of unskilled migrant workers and ensure that more Liberians gain access to available jobs.
Meanwhile, the minister is expected to resume his nationwide tour of concession companies, which was suspended earlier due to the rainy season and poor road conditions. The next phase of the tour will cover Liberia’s southeastern region, including Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe and River Cess counties, the release said.
Comments are closed.