Early filing encouraged ahead of holiday shutdown

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Papua New Guinea’s labor agency has announced holiday shutdown periods in December and January.

What does the change mean? Employers should plan to file work permit applications as early as possible in the coming weeks, and no later than Nov. 28, to avoid delays during peak season and the possibility of applications being held until next year.

• Implementation timeframe:Now through early January.
• Visas/permits affected:Work permits.
• Who is affected:Applicants for new and renewal permits.
• Impact on processing times:The Department of Labour & Industrial Relations requires two to three weeks to screen, process and issue permits.
• Business impact:Work permit applications held over until next year will delay assignments and interrupt business schedules.
• Next steps:Companies should file work permit applications as early as possible and pay special attention to renewals due to expire between now and February.

Background: The Department is encouraging applicants to file new and renewal work permit and employment agent license applications before Nov. 28 to allow sufficient time before its holiday shutdown Dec. 19. No applications will be accepted after Nov. 28. The Department will resume accepting applications Jan. 7, 2015.

BAL Analysis: Because of the lengthy closures toward the end of the year, companies and individuals filing for work permits – in particular renewals of work permits expiring in coming months – are urged to file no later than the end of November. Because work permit renewal applications must be filed three months before the permit’s expiration date, those due to expire in November through February should be submitted as soon as possible.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Papua New Guinea. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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