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On August 15, 2024, a joint operation was conducted in Angaur, led by officers from the Office of Labor Compliance, with ongoing support from Customs and Border Protection (BCBP), resulting in the detention of five (5) individuals. The purpose of the mission was to conduct inspections and compliance checks that are generally consistent with Palau’s labor standards, occupational safety, health, and other laws. BCBP officers, primarily immigration, customs, and biosecurity officers, focused on those who may be employed or residing in Palau without a valid visa or status. At the same time, BCBP officers are responsible for determining the nationality and status of those who may have overstayed and violated their immigration status.
During this visit, two people were issued summonses by the Ministry of Labor for working outside the country and were later released. Another person was working in Palau on a tourist visa. Apparently, the work permit invoice had been prepared since June 28, 2024, but the employer failed to collect the invoice at the Labor Office. The next day, both the employer and the employee came to the Labor Office to collect the invoice.
As for the remaining two (2) workers, one of them had an expired temporary visa and the Immigration Department issued an overstay fine to the employer and informed the employee that he must leave the country within ten (10) days of the notice. The last worker was found to be working on a tourist visa without any work permit or temporary visa. Apparently, the employer failed to process his work permit, which led to the Immigration Department revoking the tourist visa. The person eventually left the country on August 20, 2024 after the employer paid for the air ticket.
Other sites and locations in Ngaraard, Aimeliik, Airai and Koror were also inspected on August 20, 2024. All employees on site were verified by the Ministry of Labour to be in compliance and were allowed to resume work.
These actions are part of an ongoing effort between the Office of Labor Compliance and BCBP to combat violations of state laws and regulations. The BCBP director said it is important that all employers take every practicable step to determine if an employee is legally eligible for employment before hiring them, and this is just one way our agency ensures the law is enforced.
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