The Ministry of Labor has clarified that the recent increase in the yearly fee for Alien Work Permits from USD1,000.00 to (USD3,000.00 was not intended to beef up any imminent wage rise decision by The National Minimum Wage Board. Minister Kruah added that the ongoing nationwide consultations by the National Minimum Wage Board to review the current status of the standing monthly pay of Liberian private sector workers have not resolved to any adjustment, as being speculated. Cllr. Kruah maintained that the meeting of the National Minimum Wage Board is a regular process under the Decent Work Act (DWA) and derived decisions cannot be binding unless endorsed by the Cabinet and enacted by The National Legislature.
He disclosed that the Board which meets annually had not convened for over ten consecutive years under most recent past successive Governments, up to the ascendancy of the present administration. A Labor Ministry release quotes Minister Kruah as making the clarification in reaction to mounting speculations that the ongoing Minimum Wage Board consultation has resolved to increase private sector workers' current minimum wage from USD143.00 upward, aligning it with the recent parallel adjustment in the Alien Work Permit annual cost from USD1, 000.00 to USD3, 000.00, which is not the case. The Labor Minister stressed that both scenarios; meeting of the Minimum Wage Board and increase in the annual work permit fees are parts of the Government's regular statutory functions under the Decent Work Act (DWA) and enforced by the Ministry, all aimed at improving the labour sector and creating more job opportunities for Liberians, mainly the youthful population.
The Labor Ministry Boss then re -assured the Tripartite Constituents, particularly the investment conglomerates of Government's determination to respect their views, through the ongoing Minimum Wage Revision Exercise in final resolution that may emerge regarding any adjustment, adding: "at this stage, we are reluctant to confirm any increase in our current Minimum Wage for private sector workers". On the recent upward adjustment in the annual work permit fees by the Government, Minister Kruah reinforced the decision, reiterating that such a move is intended to curb the influx of unskilled migrant workers and create job opportunities for Liberians, mainly the youthful population. Meanwhile, the Minister is expected to resxume his nationwide tour of concessions companies started last year, but was suspended due to the rainy season and bad road networks. The Second Phase of Minister Kruah's tour is expected to focus on the Southeastern Region: Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe and Rivercess Counties.
