In the proposed changes to labor regulations, Labor Deputy Secretary Cinta M. Kaipat said the suspension was made in order to promote recovery from severely adverse economic conditions and to minimize costs imposed on businesses.
This, she added, will also “allow the labor department to function efficiently under a substantially reduced budget.”
In the proposed amendments, Labor increases other fees, which are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
The renewal of temporary work authorization was increased from $25 per month to $50, while the contract extension fee, which is for six months, was decreased from $35 per month to $25.
The 60-day limit for renewal was lowered to 15 days but the penalty remains $5 per day.
There will be no more applications for part-time employment.
An employer who laid off citizens, permanent residents, or foreign workers will be barred for 90 days from hiring any new foreign national workers.
Kaipat said the proposed revisions aim to provide additional opportunities for the employment of U.S. citizens; advance the phase-out of the moratorium; suspend the provisions for periodic exit until the uncertainties of the federalization law are resolved; decrease the department’s paperwork burdens; and make certain other administrative changes.
Labor also allows deductions for employer-supplied food, transportation and other benefits.
