The possibility of a multi-year work permit could likely become a reality in the territory as one of the temporary solutions in resolving the existing backlog of work permit applications at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.
This was one of the suggested ideas proposed by a resident during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that was held to address the issues facing the Department.
Labour Commissioner Ms. Michelle McLean said that the territory’s Labour Code presently supports three-year work permits.
However, she said she had some concerns with the issuing of a work permit for such long periods, since in her opinion it puts locals at a disadvantage in acquiring certain jobs.
Ms. McLean said if the idea is considered, a clause will need to be inserted within the policy and it will have to be made available only for specific industries.
Meanwhile, Minister for Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley also shared similar concerns to the Labour Commissioner.
Despite these concerns, the minister said he was very open to idea as a short-term solution to the work permit backlog.
During the meeting it was revealed that the department had a backlog of some 2,064 work permit applications that needed to be processed.
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