Directors were briefed on the difference between local and off island contract hires during yesterday’s cabinet meeting.
Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga spelled out that local contract hires are those who are hired from within the territory, which include Tutuila, Aunuu, Manu’a and Swains.
Off-island contract workers are those hired from outside of the territory.
And off island contract hires fill jobs for which there’s no local qualified to perform.
The acting governor said off island contracts are for 2 years or 4 years. Upon expiration of their contracts, off island hires have to return to the country from which they were hired.
If their contract is renewed, they have to return to their home country and get re-hired on a new contract.
However, if they remain in the territory upon contract renewal, then they are regarded as local contract hire.
Lemanu said once a local is found who can do the job an off island contract hire was hired for, there’s no need to keep the off island contract worker. They should return home and open up the vacancy for locals who are qualified.
