It appears a substantial number of foreigners are being hired illegally to help “build back better” the island. This has become obvious from recent immigration actions as well as relatively few employment permit requests for construction workers.
While the latter may lead some to believe it’s due to locals getting those jobs, Labour Minister Emil Lee knows there aren’t that many unemployed and readily available skilled tradesman in St. Maarten. He finds the lack of applications rather worrying, since it could mean the rebuilding process is stagnating.
Perhaps, but more likely is that undocumented migrants are being set to work, usually via sub-contractors or so-called temp agencies. Mind you, that doesn’t automatically absolve the main entity in charge because of what is referred to in the law as “chain responsibility.”
It’s also quite unnecessary, as government has come up with a shortened procedure that has been created for group permits tied specifically to large projects. The relevant vacancies don’t have to be advertised first and there is no three-week waiting period.
The only use made so far of this special arrangement regards labourers from China to reconstruct Maho Beach Resort using a technique developed in that country. Surely there are others who should be arranging the papers of people from abroad working for them.
Often no taxes or social premiums are paid either for these persons, who may become an additional financial burden to the country should they require urgent medical treatment that can’t humanely be denied. Needlessly so, because getting mandatory health insurance for employees via SZV does not depend on their legal status.
Truth be told, the businesses involved hardly have an excuse to refrain from properly regulating those doing work on their behalf, especially now that it’s been made easier. Good corporate citizenship requires no less.
