17 Jun 2015

American Samoan businesses told to comply with laws

2:48 pm on 17 June 2015

Local businesses in American Samoa have been told to be more aware of immigration laws around sponsoring foreign workers.

Pago Pago, American Samoa.

American Samoa Photo: AFP

The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, David Robinson, says new provisions of the Immigration Law came into effect on June the 15th, and businesses need to comply.

He says the sponsorship system has been widely abused and it has been difficult to monitor, as individuals have sought to turn it into a business.

The major change to the law means that businesses that are partnerships are no longer allowed to sponsor foreigners in the territory.

Corporations are still allowed but they must first obtain certification from the Attorney General.