[Source: Government Press Secretariat]

As part of government continuing push for public sector reforms and improvement in service delivery, the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL) and the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) have been working jointly in reviewing government’s system for issuance of temporary and work permits for foreign employees. The review was a good platform for the two Ministries to run a reality check of the current system in view of existing government policies, and future pathways for strengthening labour mobility in Samoa.

The improvements made to the system now require all foreign employees’ applications for temporary and work permits to go through the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – Immigration Division. The assessment and the due diligence process will then be conducted jointly by the two Ministries, and if and when all legal requirements are satisfied, temporary and work permits are then issued through the Immigration Division of the MPMC.

Through this revamped process, applicants requesting for temporary and work permits can now access the following services from the Immigration Division;

1. relevant documentations, information and clarification on government process for issuance of temporary and work permits;
2. lodge applications;
3. uplift results of applications.

Both Ministries will continue to work in partnership to ensure that the system functions efficiently and serves the country and all valued customers effectively.
The Immigration Division is on Level 1 of the Government Building, FMFMII.