THE Department of Labor and Immigration rejected a work permit renewal application three years after it was filed.
Last May 6, the department issued a notice of denial to non-resident Harricy Maliwat for late submission of the application.
“The department did not deny the application until more than three years later,” DOLI Hearing Officer Jerry Cody said.
Maliwat’s original contract expired on Oct. 15, 1998. An extension of contract was filed on Oct. 6, 1998. Receiving no response from DOLI, the employer assumed that the extension request was granted.
The employer then submitted a renewal application on Jan. 20, 1999, which was late by three months and five days.
DOLI accepted the application even though it was filed several months late.
“Apparently, it was the department’s practice at the time to accept late renewals for filing, then to deny them as untimely and leave resolution of the worker’s status to a denial hearing,” Cody said.
