Mothers of Tomorrow (MOT), a women's advocacy group, has endorsed the Ministry of Labor's recent decision to increase annual work permit fees for foreign workers from US$1,000 to US$3,000, describing the move as necessary for protecting Liberian jobs. The endorsement was contained in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Labor.
According to the Ministry, the group's National President, Madam Janet Koffa, told reporters over the weekend that the fee increase aligns with the national interest, especially at a time when many Liberian youths are struggling to secure jobs in concession companies and other private-sector operations. She argued that Liberians are being denied opportunities in areas where they are fully qualified, while migrant workers continue to fill positions that should be accessible to local applicants.
Madam Koffa cited jobs such as flagging, driving, electrical assistance, cooking, warehouse management and other support functions that, she said, should not be dominated by non-professional foreign workers. She said Mothers of Tomorrow strongly supports Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr.'s efforts to reform the labor sector through increased inspections and stricter oversight of employment practices in large companies.
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The group's leadership further noted that tougher regulations will discourage companies from bringing in unskilled foreign workers at high costs when qualified Liberians can perform the same tasks. This, they said, would not only boost national employment but also reduce unnecessary financial burdens on companies and lower Liberia's economic dependence on migrant labor.
Mothers of Tomorrow also urged Minister Kruah to intensify collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce to enforce the country's Liberianization Policy, which reserves certain categories of businesses exclusively for Liberians. The group expressed concern that some of these sectors are gradually being overtaken by African migrant groups, including Fulanis and Nigerians, undermining opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
In addition to welcoming the work permit fee increase, MOT commended the Labor Minister for extending the National Vacation Jobs Program. The group pledged to work with the Ministry of Labor to identify vulnerable youth, particularly in rural areas, who stand to benefit from the initiative.
The Ministry of Labor, which released the statement, said it remains committed to strengthening oversight and ensuring that Liberians are prioritized in accordance with national laws and policies.
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