By Calvin Brooks
MONROVIA, May 20 (LINA) – The Acting Commissioner of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Elijah Rufus, has pledged to transform the agency into a modern, transparent, and intelligence-driven institution that not only secures the nation’s borders but also contributes meaningfully to national development.
Speaking during his confirmation hearing before the Liberian Senate on Capitol Hill, Commissioner Rufus laid out a bold vision for LIS – one centered on institutional reform, digital modernization, and enhanced regional cooperation.
“To build a resilient and efficient immigration system that upholds national security, supports economic growth, and aligns with international best practices,” Rufus stated, “we must reimagine LIS not just as a security body, but as a development catalyst and diplomatic instrument.”
Commissioner Rufus highlighted a significant milestone reached in December 2024, when the LIS signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand-based firm Somapa IT.
The MoU aims to introduce smart border solutions in Liberia under a zero-investment model.
“This initiative will usher in surveillance technologies such as CCTV, biometric systems, and other advanced tools at strategic entry points,” he explained, saying that “it will also strengthen cooperation with the Armed Forces of Liberia and our regional partners to combat illegal entry and cross-border crimes.”
Recognizing the urgent need to improve working conditions, he announced plans for the construction of residential quarters for LIS personnel across the country.
“We have already begun engaging county superintendents and the Liberia Land Authority to secure land for these projects, and the response has been encouraging,” he noted.
The Acting Commissioner also revealed that the LIS is intensifying efforts to monitor and manage undocumented migration, particularly the influx of Burkinabé nationals and other foreign nationals in Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland Counties.
“We are cataloguing intelligence and will be working closely with local authorities and relevant government agencies to ensure the proper documentation of all illegal migrants,” he said.
He emphasized that LIS reform will include investments in human capital, starting with the revitalization of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Immigration Training Academy in Foya, Lofa County.
“A modern immigration service must rest on a foundation of discipline, ethics, and continuous learning,” he said, adding that LIS will prioritize recruitment, professional development, and career advancement for its personnel.
He also committed to strengthening Liberia’s cooperation with regional and international bodies, including ECOWAS, IOM, and INTERPOL, for technical support, data sharing, and alignment with global migration standards.
“The transformation we seek is ambitious but necessary, a secure and development-oriented immigration system is vital to Liberia’s future,” he emphasized.
