MONROVIA, March 3 (LINA) – The Ministry of Labor has embarked on a nationwide enforcement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bio-metric Identification Work Permit requirement.

The exercise is in keeping with Regulation No. 17 of the Labor Practices Law of Liberia which came into effect on September 16, 2009, according to a release from the Labor Ministry.

The regulation requires all ECOWAS citizens residing within the borders of Liberia and seeking employment within the informal sector to pay a work permit fee of US$100 dollar, the release pointed out.

It warned ECOWAS citizens residing in Liberia seeking employment or working within the Informal Business Sector to ensure that they are in full compliance with the mandate.

A 60-day ultimatum has been given to all ECOWAS citizens operating and or seeking employment within the informal sector of Liberia to obtain their work permits either in Montserrado County or from the Regional Offices of the Ministry in the 14 other counties, the release stated.

According to the release, a fine of US$500 will be imposed in keeping with Section 4(a) of Regulation 17 of the Labor Practices Law of Liberia for failure to comply with this mandate.
LINA