Starting Monday, July 12, government will assist non-resident workers whose jobs have been affected due to COVID impact, find legal employment.
According to public announcement issued by the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, non-resident workers whose permits have expired and employers are not willing to renew, whose employment has been terminated or suspended indefinitely, whose employment has been changed or reduced, are eligible and may pick up application from the Office of Labor in Ngerbeched starting Monday.
The purpose of this exercise is said “to bring all nonresident workers into compliance with Palau’s Labor laws and place them with qualified employers.”
As result of the pandemic, many businesses, particularly those in tourism industry have closed or drastically reduce their operations. Also, due border closures and flights cancellations, some nonresident workers have been unable to leave when their contracts expire or the businesses close down.
Palau was able to provide some financial assistance through CROSS Act but funds are running out and many of these nonresident workers continue to be affected.
The program, according to Minister Ngirai Tmetuch seeks to place these people with qualified employers and bring them into compliance with Labor laws.