(Antigua Sun) – Starting 20 July, all non-nationals who wish to renew their work permits must first verify contributions to statutory organisations.
A notice released by the Labour Department said that all non-nationals who apply to renew their work permits, whether for the same employer or for a different employer, must first obtain letters from the Social Security Depart-ment, the Medical Benefits Scheme and the Board of Education. This would verify that they are current with their contributions to those organisations.
The statement further said no application will be accepted by the Labour Department if it is not accompanied by the three letters.
It was noted that the requirements not apply to first time applicants.
Labour Commissioner Hesketh Williams told the Antigua Sun that the new requirements came about in a bid to speed up the process of issuing permits.
He said that in the past, a list of applicants was sent to Social Security for status verification with their approval held until the response is given.
Williams said, “That has proved a challenge to us because sometimes, it takes very long before we can get the names for verification. This makes the process much simpler.”
Williams said this will also help to protect the non-nationals as well. He said there have been situations where the employer would not deduct payments at all or would deduct the payments to the statutory bodies but they would not be paid in, leaving the employee without coverage. The employees would sometimes only learn of the deceit when they leave their jobs or try to claim benefits.
“This is to ensure that these persons are caught in the loop. We can ensure that the non-nationals a) contribute to the services and b) that they receive the benefits that they deserve having worked.”
If such a situation occurs, Williams said the statutory body would be alerted and the employer can become liable to pay the entire amount that should have been paid.
In the case of a person having lost his/her job, he said that he/she should be able to provide documentary proof that he/she was fired or laid off and so was not able to contribute to the services. The three letters should then coincide with the last point of work.
