Hearing Officer Barry Hirshbein and other Labor personnel checked the passports and entry permits of the guest workers at the old Halina’s Kitchen restaurant on the first floor of the Afetna Square Building in San Antonio.
Some guest workers who presented receipts of their renewed or amended contracts were not given the umbrella permit.
They claimed that Labor didn’t clarify in its announcement that those with receipts only could not get their permits.
The department’s announcement published last week stated: “Bring your valid working permit and passport as identification.”
“It’s very clear in the announcement that only those foreign workers with current valid permits can obtain the permit,” Hirshbein said.
Labor will soon announce how it will accommodate those with receipts only, he added.
But “definitely” they will have the permit before Nov. 27, he said.
Guest workers whose surnames begin with these letters should get their permits on the following dates:
• C-D — Oct. 27
• E-F-G-H-I — Oct. 28
• J-K-L — Oct. 29
• M-N-O — Oct. 30
• P-Q-R — Nov. 2
• S-T — Nov. 3
• U-V-W-X-Y-Z — Nov. 5
Four guest workers interviewed by this reporter said they were advised by their employers to get the permit.
“At least this will give us legal status until 2011,” they said.
Marites Badal, whose current contract will expire on March 3, 2010, said: “I still want to stay if my contract is not renewed.”
Another worker, Melba Briones, said: “I know my employer will renew my contract so I better get the permit for security of my status.”
Cristino Abrigo, a security guard whose contract will expire in Feb. 2010, believes it is necessary to get the umbrella permit whether or not his employer renews his contract.
On Nov. 28, 2009 when federalization takes effect, Gaudencio Ayap’s contract will end and he was already informed by his employer that he won’t be renewed.
“I hope this umbrella permit will help me to stay until 2011,” Ayap said.
Menemia Bolido said she was told by her employer that there is noharm in getting the permit.
“I was even accompanied by my employer to Labor,” she said.
As of 11:20 a.m. close to 400 guest workers were already issued their umbrella permits.
The Fitial administration said the umbrella program is voluntary and is aimed at providing as much security as possible for those foreign workers who wish to remain in the CNMI.
Starting on Nov. 28, the more restrictive federal immigration law will be extended to the islands.
