Departments busy closing
permit process loopholes
PHILIPSBURG--Work has started on the possible synchronisation of government’s business licence, employment permit and residence permit policies, with the main goal of closing all loopholes that have been used by applicants in the past to circumvent various steps.
Representatives of the Departments of Labour, Economic Affairs, Economic Policy and Research, a legal advisor/consultant, and the Lt. Governor’s Cabinet met in the Labour Office on June 4 to get the ball rolling.
According to the Government Information Service, the departments exchanged policy perspectives, identified objectives and discussed possible ways to develop and synchronise their policies to prevent loopholes and/or persons from using the system incorrectly.
Given the nature of St. Maarten’s economy, which has a large number of foreign-owned businesses and workers, it is imperative that government implements policies that are practical, efficient and effective, according to the news release.
The first step was the synchronisation and exchange of information among departments, followed by communication and consultation with the private sector that will ascertain what types of workers are needed. This will be based on educational levels, training and/or expertise.
Government said it would try to accommodate and facilitate the business community’s needs by supplying and/or training workers to assume jobs in the labour market. Therefore, the private sector needs to provide this information and insight so government can tailor its educational curriculum, where legally possible, and design a training programme suited to the private sector needs.
When this process has been completed, the synchronisation of policies with the educational system will take place, along with business licence, employment permit and residence permit policies.
Economic Affairs Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus urged all parties to work together for the betterment of the community for its long-term objectives of achieving a sustainable economy and providing job and career opportunities for the citizens.
