MONROVIA — In a decisive move to prioritize the local workforce, Liberia’s Ministry of Labour has issued a strict mandate to all business entities, concessionaires, and employers. Moving forward, no new work permits for foreign nationals will be processed without verified proof that the positions were first advertised locally. According to an official press release signed by Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., employers must now actively demonstrate that no qualified Liberian citizens were available to fill the vacancies before seeking outside talent.
To comply with the directive, employers must launch a comprehensive 30-day local recruitment campaign. Evidence must be provided showing the position was published across multiple media channels for a minimum of thirty days. Specifically, the vacancy must be featured in at least two local newspapers, aired on at least two local radio stations, and posted on at least two Liberian websites, one of which must be the official Ministry of Labour portal.
Minister Kruah emphasized that this directive is not a new hurdle, but an enforcement of existing legal frameworks designed to protect local economic interests. The mandate is firmly grounded in Chapter 45.1, Sub-section 45.1(c)(i) of the Decent Work Act of 2015, as well as Section 6 of the Revised Regulation No. 17 of 2019.
“This requirement is intended to ensure that qualified Liberian citizens are given the first opportunity to apply for available positions and participate in the recruitment process before foreign applicants are considered,” Minister Kruah reiterated.
All business houses, concessionaires, and general employers are urged to immediately adjust their hiring workflows. Moving forward, the Ministry of Labour will automatically reject any new work permit applications submitted without the required multi-channel advertising receipts and concrete proof that a local talent search was conducted without success.
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