MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah has clarified that the Ministry of Labor does not intend to increase the minimum wage as has been speculated in some quarters.

Currently, the Minimum Wage Bill, according to him, stands at three United States Dollars-fifty-cents for domestic workers, and five US Dollars-fifty-cents for formal workers.

The Minister of Labor noted that should the need to increase the current Minimum Wage Bill arise, all of the formal processes will be duly followed in consultation with the government.

He added that it is the statutory mandate of the Minimum Wage Board to meet and charter discussions relevant to the review of the current Minimum Wage Bill structure, not only in Liberia, but in comparison to other countries.

Minister Kruah, however, disclosed a decline in the acquisition of foreign work permits due to the introduction of new fees for said permits from one thousand to three thousand US Dollars.

The Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah is therefore calling on foreign businesses that are holding back to comply or risk being fined double of the fees.

Meanwhile, Minister Kruah has emphasized that the policy was introduced as part of the Government of Liberia’s effort to provide more jobs for citizens.

He noted that the government cannot employ everybody for employment, thereby urging its partners in the Private Sector to utilize the Liberian workforce.

He said, “The young people can deliver more when given the opportunity”.

Minister Kruah also revealed findings from an investigation into a recent local media report, suggesting that the Ministry is giving work permits to foreign nationals to work as car washers at the Bea Mountain Mining Company in Grand Cape Mount County.

The Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah termed the report as false and misleading, disclosing that over twenty-five Liberians are serving as car washers at the company.