Anguilla Blocking Certain Categories of Foreign Workers

Since the beginning of this month, and until the end of December, few foreign nationals are going to be given the opportunity to enter Anguilla for a wide range of jobs.

That is because the Anguilla Executive Council has agreed that a temporary moratorium for the period May 1 to December 31, 2012, should be imposed on the issuance of new work permits for the following categories of jobs: Babysitter, Cook, Mason, Office Receptionist, Carpenter, Labourer, Plumber, Photographer, Electrician, Landscaper, Housekeeper, Bartender, Domestic Helper, Waiter/Waitress, Maintenance, Tiler, Painter, Store Clerk, Videographer, Cashier and Spa Therapist.

Russel Reid, Labour Commissioner in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Labour, stated that in light of the ongoing global financial, and its negative impact on the local labour market they are vigilantly ensuring that qualified Anguillians and Belongers of Anguilla are considered for jobs that become available for which they have the necessary skills and experiences.

The Executive Council further agreed that caretakers and caregivers for the elderly should be exempted from the moratorium requirements; while photographers and videographers should be exceptionally considered only in special circumstances, and would have to working alongside local counterparts for that consideration.
Reid stated that it was encouraging unemployed Anguillians and Belongers of Anguilla to register with the Department of Labour.

By doing so, the Reid stated, it would allow the Department of Labour to act as a placement centre, whereby it can assist the private sector with the recruitment of workers.

Reid reminded Anguillians and Belongers of Anguilla applying for jobs in the private sector, to send copies of their applications and resumes to the Department of Labour. He said that by doing such, the Department will be able to keep track of their job seeking process and to intervene as required.

The labour official added that it was an assumption that jobs being advertised are already earmarked for certain individuals. However, he insisted Anguillians and Belongers of Anguilla to apply for any vacant position in the public and private sectors for which they have the requisite qualifications.

Details

Date Posted

May 14 2012