The Liberian government, through the Ministry of Labor, has commissioned a five-million-dollar project to digitize the nation’s work and immigrant permits. Additionally, 35 Yamaha motorcycles, 15 pickup trucks, four saloon cars, two jeeps, and 15 pickup trucks were all put into service. These vehicles will employ many Liberians and help the Liberia Immigration Service and Ministry of Labour generate more money.
President George Weah said the government of Liberia takes seriously the rights of workers and employees during the commissioning event. In light of the fact that the project is supported by 15 pickup trucks, 39 motorcycles, and two jeeps, he cautioned businesses and individuals against failing to pay the required taxes.
“As a responsible government, we also have the duty to ensure that investors are treated fairly in their relationship with the government and with their employees. We will not hesitate to take stringent measures against any employers who attempt to evade the payment of government taxes or who try to infringe upon the rights of workers. The Ministry of Labor has the statutory responsibility to ensure that Liberians are given priority to jobs in the private sector. We must also ensure that Liberians are given wages that are comparable to foreigners doing the same job.”
“These policies must be adhered to without compromise,” he said; adding: “While we seek to increase revenue from greater efficiency in the work permit regime, we will not compromise the rights of our citizens to priority employment opportunities. We also want to see gender equity in employment, in both the public and private sectors. We will continue to seek to build our economy by increasing employment opportunities for Liberians and prioritizing capacity-building in the workplace.”
For his part, Labor Minister, Charles Gibson, disclosed that the project, which will last for five years, will double the revenue of the government at the Ministry of Labor. According to him, the project will also assist in digitizing the alien registration at the Liberia Immigration Service.
Minister Gibson pointed out that the project was a product of a survey conducted under the former Labor Minister, Moses Kollie. The Labor Minister added that it took one year in negotiating and processing the legalization of the project.
As a result of the project’s commissioning, the Ministry of Labor is now one of the governmental entities significantly boosting the nation’s economy and revenue generation. Representatives from the legislature, top officials from the Labor Ministry, and members of the cabinet attended the event.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
