The policy on work permits has been eased for a number of professions on Saba. The policy, which went into effect on the 30th of November 2018, was established in close consultation between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) and local authorities. According to the new procedure, the so-called island test which requires to search for local employee availability for two or five weeks, is reduced to zero days.
This is applicable to the following categories: teachers, diving instructors, chefs, doctors and positions where the annual salary amounts to more than USD 50.000,-. In these cases there is no need to search for local employees for weeks. The employer can immediately start the application procedure for a TWV. However, the Public Entity Saba must be informed about the vacancy.
For the time being, this new procedure only applies to Saba, where this proposal was put forward by the local government. The eased arrangement will be evaluated with the various parties involved. This will show whether the change is considered as an improvement and whether additional adjustments are desirable.