The Member of Parliament for Anoamaa No.1 Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre Lauofo has called for stricter screening of foreigners coming into Samoa for job opportunities.
Fonotoe was speaking last week on the Parliamentary Economic Sector Committee report for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor’s annual report 2022/2023 tabled in the House.
Samoa Observer reports Fonotoe said there was an incident in past years, where a foreigner, who was hired to come and work in Samoa, was later confirmed to have tuberculosis.
“As a result, all the employees who were working with this foreigner had to go through medical checkups because of concerns that they might get infected by this particular employee,” he said.
Fonotoe said, thankfully, no one was infected, but with infectious diseases now more prevalent, it never hurts to be more vigilant.
He also reminded of an incident where an overseas lecturer at the National University of Samoa didn’t have the qualifications to become a teacher.
In responding to the screening concerns raised by Lauofo, Chairman Lautafi Selafi Purcell, said this was a serious matter and heavier penalties should be imposed on those who do not comply with regulations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labor has put on hold applications for foreign investment and requests for foreign employment permits, while a review is underway.
The Ministry confirmed this in a public notice issued two weeks ago advising the temporary suspension on the issuance of foreign investment certificates (FICs) and foreign employment permits (FEEPs).
“This temporary measure is aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework relating to foreign investment and employment permits,” the notice stated.
