Senator Abe Darius Dillon has expressed his opposition to recent government’s decision to raise foreign work permit fees from $1,000 to $3,000, saying the move will not reduce unemployment and further sideline qualified Liberians.
He urged stronger enforcement of labor laws that prioritize citizens in hiring.
Labor Minister Cooper Kruah Hike the hike as a measure to curb misuse of permits and encourage local employment, but the debate has added to growing concerns about joblessness under the Boakai administration.
Early September 2025, the government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Labour, increased the annual fee for a regular work permit for foreign nationals from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.
The change was announced in early September 2025 and is effective immediately.
Rationale and public response
Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah stated that the fee hike is a decisive policy to tackle unemployment and encourage foreign companies to prioritize hiring Liberian citizens for jobs they are qualified to perform. The ministry has also taken action to refuse permit renewals for foreign workers in jobs Liberians can fill.
Support for the increase had been great with some, including the Civil Society Network of Liberia, praising the move as a patriotic and strategic policy that could boost job opportunities for Liberians. While Criticism of the policy by Others, including Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon, arguing it is merely a revenue-generating measure and does not address underlying issues like corruption and enforcement.
Some critics believe that a sudden 200% increase could negatively impact the economy and potentially be passed on to consumers
