KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The Ministries of Commerce and Trade and Justice have intensified efforts to reduce violations of immigration and labor laws by conducting regular inspections of foreign workers’ legal papers and places of employment.
According to the Justice Ministry, officers of the Bureau of Immigration and the Division of Labor have inspected foreign workers’ permits and visas in Peleliu and Koror. They also checked the workers’ living accommodations and places of employment.
The officers uncovered several violations of local health, sanitation, tax and Social Security laws.
Similar inspections will also be conducted in the other states.
The Division of Labor says it is now strictly enforcing several provisions of laws aimed at protecting foreign workers.
Chief of Labor Russell Masayos reminded employers that they are prohibited from hiring a worker for a position vacated by an employee who transferred to another firm for at least two years.
The division has also implemented new fee schedules for new hires, transfers, change of occupation, renewals and re-issuance of work permits.
It vows to strictly implement the deadline for vacancy announcement requirement, which is 45 days prior to expiration of work permit and 30 days for new hires.
All provisional visas will expire 30 days after a foreigner arrives in the country.
