StarKist Samoa has publicized requirements for hiring guest workers from Samoa to work as fish cleaners at their Satala plant.
The cannery is recruiting 200 qualified guest workers from Samoa to address a labor shortage created by high absenteeism.
StarKist Samoa official Archie Soliai said employee attendance was very low last year. “The high absenteeism, as with any company, has a negative impact on operation,” he said.
The cannery has advertised for workers locally, however, Soliai told KHJ News the response has not been as favorable as expected.
“Guest workers will provide much needed stability to our workforce, ” he noted.
“We appreciate the Governor, the Attorney General, Immigration Office and the American Samoa Government for the support on this important issue”.
One of the requirements is that the guest worker must have a local host.
A host must be a 21 year old bona fide resident or business of American Samoa who can certify by affidavit that he, she or they, will provide housing and lodging, whether free of charge or by rent agreement for a guest worker during his or her stay in American Samoa.
Local residents willing to become a host for a guest worker are asked to coordinate and provide documentation for the guest worker to the Human Resources Office of StarKist.
The documents include a passport valid for 1 year before it expires, certified copy of a birth certificate, orginal Samoa police clearance, and an original Samoa medical clareance.
The guest worker must be between 19-45 years.
StarKist Samoa will verify the documents and forward the same to the Immigration Office for proper vetting.
Once the ASG Immigration office approves, StarKist will schedule an in person interview in Apia on a date and time to be scheduled, on an appointment only basis.
This opportunity is limited to the first 300 applications received.
But the final selection will be for 200 guest workers.
StarKist reserves the right to reject any application.
Only citizens of Samoa are qualified for the guest worker program for purposes of employment at the fish cannery only.
