Monrovia, Liberia: Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varplah has urged the Liberian Senate to undertake a comprehensive review of employment practices in the country, emphasizing the need to prioritize qualified Liberians for roles currently occupied by non-Liberians.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Senate session, Senator Varplah stressed that employment policies should be based on accurate labor market data, not estimates or outdated assumptions. She referenced a recently submitted labor report, calling on her fellow lawmakers to examine the findings carefully to determine how many jobs currently held by foreign nationals could be transitioned to Liberians.
“We need to determine the actual number of these positions, which could potentially exceed sevetn thousand,” she said, adding that such a move would address growing concerns around youth unemployment and the underutilization of local expertise.
Senator Varplah echoed sentiments previously raised by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, both lawmakers pointing to the persistent rise in unemployment among Liberians, despite an increasing pool of university graduates capable of performing in technical and professional roles.
“Liberia is no longer in the 1960s when we had to depend on foreign nationals to manage our economy,” she noted. “Our universities continue to produce qualified graduates every year, and we must ensure they are given opportunities to serve and grow in their own country.”
Among the positions highlighted were roles in finance, administration, and managerial oversight sectors where Liberians with the right qualifications are often overlooked in favor of expatriate hires. Senator Varplah called for stronger enforcement of employment regulations, particularly in concession areas, where she said Liberians frequently lack access to job opportunities created by foreign investment.
She appealed to the Senate’s relevant committees to review existing employment data and ensure that government oversight mechanisms are in place to promote fair hiring practices that benefit citizens.
“It is our duty as lawmakers to create the space and opportunity for our people to contribute meaningfully to their economy,” she concluded.
Senator Varplah’s remarks add to a growing national conversation about inclusive employment policies and the need to reform labor practices to reflect Liberia’s growing human resource capacity.
Written By: Staff Writer
Total Visit : 26320