The House of Representatives has sent a strong warning to public officials who appear before it unprepared, expelling three senior Ministry of Labor officials from a public hearing after what lawmakers condemned as a shallow and poorly prepared presentation.
The officials had been summoned to provide clear statistics and evidence-based analysis on two crucial issues: the state of alien registration and the impact of a steep increase in work permit fees for foreign nationals from US$1,000 to US$3,000. Instead, representatives said they were met with vague responses, incomplete figures, and a lack of credible documentation to support the ministry’s position.
Those ordered out of the session were Deputy Minister for Administration Othello P. Mansou, Assistant Minister for Statistics and Research Jackson F. Wolobah, and Assistant Minister for Alien Registration Raphael E. Donokolo II. Lawmakers grew visibly frustrated as the team struggled to explain trends in alien registration or show, in concrete terms, how the tripling of work permit fees is affecting foreign workers, businesses, and government revenue.
Several representatives blasted the presentation as falling far below the standard expected in a formal oversight hearing, arguing that such a major policy decision must be backed by solid data, projections, and analysis—not guesswork and generalities. Their removal from the Plenary session in the House Chamber underscored the legislature’s insistence that officials come fully prepared when addressing policies with serious economic and social implications.
The incident signals a tougher stance by the House on accountability and technical competence in public hearings, especially on matters that directly influence investment, employment, and public confidence. It remains unclear whether the expelled officials will be recalled at a later date or whether the Ministry of Labor will instead be required to submit a detailed written report addressing lawmakers’ concerns.
Accountability, Legislative oversight, Alien registration, Work permit fees, Data-driven policy, Public hearing, Government preparedness,
