Recent official increase annual fee for an alien work permit was not meant to support any impending National Minimum Wage Board wage
Monrovia, Liberia – According to clarification from the Ministry of Labor, the recent official increase in the annual fee for an alien work permit from $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 was not meant to support any impending National Minimum Wage Board wage increase decision. As anticipated, Minister Kruah added, there has been no change as a result of the National Minimum Wage Board’s ongoing statewide consultations to review the existing standing monthly salary of Liberian private sector workers.
Under the Decent Work Act (DWA), Minister Kruah insisted that the National Minimum Wage Board meets regularly and that its conclusions are not legally binding unless approved by the Cabinet and passed by the National Legislature. Before the current administration took power, he said, the Board, which meets once a year, had not met for more than ten years in a row under the most recent succeeding governments.
In a Labour Ministry press release dated October 19, 2025, Minister Kruah clarifies the background of escalating rumors that the ongoing Minimum Wage Board consultation has decided to raise the current minimum wage for private sector workers from USD143.00 upward, in line with the recent parallel adjustment in the Alien Work Permit annual cost from USD1,000.00 to USD3,000.00.
The Labour Minister stressed that the government’s regular statutory functions under the Decent Work Act (DWA) include both the meeting of the Minimum Wage Board and the increase in the annual work permit fees. The Ministry enforces these measures in order to improve the labor sector and increase employment opportunities for Liberians, especially the younger generation.
“At this stage, we are reluctant to confirm any increase in our current Minimum Wage for private sector workers,” the Labour Boss continued, assuring the Tripartite Constituents especially the investment conglomerates that the government would respect their opinions through the ongoing Minimum Wage Revision Exercise in any final resolution that may emerge regarding any adjustment.
Minister Kruah defended the government’s recent decision to raise the annual work permit costs, emphasizing that the goal of the measure is to reduce the number of unskilled migrant workers and provide employment possibilities for Liberians, particularly the younger generation.
The Minister is anticipated to resume his nationwide tour of concessions companies, which was put on hold last year because of the poor road system and the rainy season.
According to a Labour Ministry press release signed by Mr. E. Frederick Baye, the Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs, and released over the weekend, the second phase of Minister Kruah’s tour is anticipated to concentrate on the Southeastern Region, which includes Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, and Rivercess Counties.
