The Member of Parliament for Anoamaa No.1 Lauofo Pierre Lauofo raised concerns about the need to push for stricter screening for foreigners coming into the country for job opportunities.

Lauofo was addressing issues on the Economic Sector Committee report for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour's annual report 2022/2023 that was tabled before Parliament.

Fonotoe said there was an incident in past years where a foreigner who was hired to come and work in Samoa was later confirmed to have tuberculosis.

“As a result, all the employees who were working with this foreigner had to go through medical checkups because of concerns that they might get infected by this particular employee,” he said.

Fonotoe said thankfully no one was infected but it was a wake-up call that the ministry should push for strict screening of foreigners overseas before coming to work in the country.

He said with infectious diseases now more prevalent, it never hurts to be more careful.

Fonotoe also reminded of an incident where an overseas lecturer at the National University of Samoa didn't have the qualifications to become a teacher.

In responding to the screening concerns raised by Lauofo, Chairman Lautafi Selafi Purcell said this was a serious matter and heavier penalties should be imposed on companies and workplaces that do not comply with regulations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour has put on hold applications for foreign investment and requests for foreign employment permits while a review is underway.

The Ministry confirmed this in a public notice issued two weeks ago advising the public about the temporary suspension of the services until further notice.

The issuance of foreign investment certificates (FICs) and foreign employment permits (FEEPs) has been halted.

“This temporary measure is aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework relating to foreign investment and employment permits,” a notice signed by Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fiu Jacinta Matulino stated.

“We kindly request that all FIC and FEEP holders who are seeking to renew or amend their applications exercise patience as the Ministry carries out this review.”