Toribiong in an interview said the quota will be 6,000.
This move, he added, aims to “preserve” local culture and entice Palauans working abroad to seek employment in their own country.
He said it is “unhealthy” for Palau to have a big number of foreign workers while its own citizens are seeking greener pastures outside their country.
“Legally I have the authority to deny or accept the admission of foreign workers,” Toribiong added.
He said he will also order a temporary ban on the hiring of Bangladeshi nationals.
Bangladeshis whose contracts are up will be sent home, he added.
The lack of diplomatic ties with Bangladesh is a key factor in his decision, the president said.
Moreover, Myanmar nationals will be temporarily banned from seeking jobs here, he added.
Government statistics showed that there are 5,432 foreign workers in Palau compared to 5,930 resident workers.
Palau’s total workforce is 11,362.
Of this figure, 8,223 are working for the private sector while 3,139 are working for the government.
Among the non-Palauan workers, 651 are domestic helpers, 167 are houseboys, 220 are helpers, 77 are farmers, 497 are fishermen, 106 are masseuse and 449 are waitresses.
During a recent labor forum, Palauans expressed concern over the huge number of foreigners working in their country.
The president said he has ordered the Division of Labor to provide him with new data on foreign workers and to ensure that “those who should not be here are sent home.”
The president is also considering the imposition of tuition fees on non-Palauan students studying at Palau High School.
