Foreign workers who abandon their sanctioned employment may face deportation as immigration authorities ramp up their scrutiny of individuals who have absconded, according to Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto. The ministry is compiling an increasing list of prohibited immigrants based on reports from employers indicating that workers with valid permits are no longer present in their designated roles.
Minister Naupoto explained that this list is created from employer notifications alongside insights obtained through compliance checks performed by immigration teams. “Our compliance teams often find that workers permitted to work for specific companies are absent,” he stated. He further noted that relatives of some permit holders have reported a loss of contact, thus complicating the tracking process.
Naupoto expressed gratitude for the employers and individuals who have come forward to report such cases of absence. Immigration officials verify the status of work permits through official channels and make attempts to contact workers through their registered details, as well as through physical visits to their last known addresses.
Under current immigration law, individuals remaining in the country after their work permits have expired are classified as prohibited immigrants. The minister underscored that those whose permits lapse while still in the country may be named publicly, with details including their name, address, and photograph potentially released by the ministry.
“There is a considerable possibility that some of these workers may be involved in illegal employment with other companies, exposing them to potential exploitation,” Naupoto cautioned. He stressed that work permits are specific to individual employers and cannot be transferred to different entities.
The implications of illegal employment can be dire, with penalties reaching up to $750,000 or 20 years imprisonment for those who exploit unauthorized workers. Additionally, individuals who assist unauthorized migrants may face fines of up to $5,000 or two years’ imprisonment.
These measures reflect a larger commitment to safeguard the rights of legal workers and tackle the challenges posed by unauthorized employment in the community. The ongoing collaboration between employers and immigration authorities will be essential in fostering order and ensuring the welfare of workers as the situation unfolds. The increased vigilance highlights the importance of maintaining a fair labor environment while protecting those who abide by the legal requirements.