Foreign workers who abandon their approved employment may face deportation as immigration authorities enhance their scrutiny of absconders, according to Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto. A growing list of prohibited immigrants is being compiled following reports from employers who have notified the ministry that workers with valid permits are no longer with their designated companies.
Minister Naupoto explained that this list is generated based on employer reports along with insights from compliance checks conducted by immigration teams. “There are instances where our compliance teams discover that workers permitted to work for specific companies are no longer present,” Naupoto noted. He added that relatives of permit holders have also reported losing contact, further complicating the matter.
The minister expressed appreciation for those employers and individuals who have stepped forward to report such absences. He indicated that immigration officials verify the permit status through official systems and attempt to reach workers using their registered contact details, as well as by conducting physical checks at their last known addresses.
Under immigration law, individuals who remain in the country after their work permits have expired are deemed prohibited immigrants. Naupoto highlighted that those whose permits lapse while still residing in the country can be publicly named, with information including their name, address, and photograph potentially published by the ministry.
“There is a significant possibility that some of these workers may be engaging in illegal employment with other companies, which places them at risk for exploitation,” Naupoto warned. He emphasized that work permits are strictly tied to specific employers and cannot be transferred.
The consequences for illegal employment can be severe, with penalties as high as $750,000 or 20 years imprisonment for those who exploit unauthorized workers. Conversely, individuals assisting unauthorized migrants may face fines up to $5,000 or two years’ imprisonment.
The emphasis on these measures reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that the rights of legal workers are protected while addressing issues of unauthorized employment within the community. As the situation develops, ongoing cooperation between employers and immigration authorities will be crucial to maintaining order and safeguarding workers’ welfare.