MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah has emphasized that the hike in fees for ordinary Liberian Work Permit from one thousand to three thousand US Dollars was an official decision by the government and not a unilateral decision by the ministry.

Minister Kruah said,” The additional two thousand USD added to the previous fees of one thousand will go into government coffers, stressing that foreigners who are yet to acquire their work permit or renew their permits should do so as soon as possible”.

The Labor boss further stated that those who fail to renew or acquire the work permits will be fined according to the law, noting that the ministry will be vigorous in the fulfillment of the mandate and providing jobs for Liberians.

However, Minister Kruah said,” Employers should observe all instructions by ensuring they advertise all vacancies for qualified Liberians to fit in positions being advertised”.

The Labor boss said the move is intended to create more jobs for Liberians, outlining its positive impact on the industrial sector by disabling the influx of migrant workers and replacing them with the local Liberian workforce.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah highlighted key activities undertaken recently by the ministry to improve the Labor Sector.

Cllr. Kruah said one of the key activities is the launch of the health and safety program aimed at monitoring various industrial sites across the country, and to ensure they adhere to all safety standards for the protection of their staff.

Minister Kruah eluded that the ministry is working along with foreign consultants’ trained health and safety officers to ensure that people observe safety standards at all workplaces.

He further stated that the ministry is expected to negotiate with workers of APM terminals who had planned a go-slow action, due to the slow pace of their collective bargaining agreement, to ensure the parties come to an agreement that will bring harmony among the workers.

Minister Kruah, at the same time, revealed that the ministry is working along with the Performance Management, Compliance system at the Ministry of State for Presidential affairs to meet all required benchmarks of institutional targets as outlined by President Joseph Boakai.