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OPA may continue to hire one nonresident worker
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Posted on Sep 24 2004
The Office of Public Auditor may continue to hire one nonresident worker for up to five years, with the existence of a new law that extends the agency’s exemption from the government ban on hiring alien workers.
Public Auditor Michael Sablan welcomed the passage of Senate Bill 14-60, which became Public Law 14-30 after acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente approved the measure Wednesday.
Had the measure not been adopted, the OPA’s exemption would have expired on Sept. 26.
“All the bill is asking for is flexibility,” Sablan said.
From 27 nonresident workers at the OPA three years ago, Sablan said the agency only has one alien worker currently.
The bill recognized that, while the OPA does not anticipate new hiring of a nonresident worker, retirement and employment options among current employees might impact on the agency’s effectiveness and efficiency.
The new law allows the OPA to hire one nonresident worker to fill a vacant position when no resident applicant is found to be qualified for the job.
“This process will ensure the continuity of the administration of the OPA and thereby allow it to continue to perform its mandated functions in an efficient and effective manner,” Benavente said.
Benavente commended the OPA in drastically reducing the number of nonresident workers at the agency and coming out with a plan to reduce its reliance on alien workers. (John Ravelo)
