2019 Quota Applications Due August 1

The situation

Applications for quota numbers, allowing employers to sponsor foreign workers in 2019, must be submitted by August 1, 2018.

A closer look

• Application process. Quota applications must be filed with the Department of Labor Office in the local region where the foreign national will be working. Applications cannot be changed or corrected once filed.
• Information required. The application must outline the reason for the need for foreign workers and the number of foreign workers the employer expects to sponsor throughout 2019. The application must include both initial applications and renewals, and must detail the position of each foreign worker. Applications must be filed on a standard form and must meet strict requirements.
• Filing deadline. While applications must officially be filed by August 1, 2018, it is advisable to file before July 27, 2018 at the latest. Regional authorities are already accepting applications.

Impact

Employers can only sponsor initial and renewal applications for work permits in 2019 in accordance with the numbers and positions specified in the quota application.

Employers that do not follow the correct quota application procedure or do not file on time may receive reduced quota numbers.

Employers are advised to start preparing support documents and to contact their immigration professional for support with their regional quota application.

Background

The Ministry of Labor sets a general annual national quota based on the combined approval numbers. This national quota is then allocated among the regions and broken down by economic activity.

Sponsoring a foreign worker is generally more difficult, and for some regions impossible, if the employer has not filed a quota request in the previous year.

The quota application procedure changed considerably over 2017 and authorities are still extremely strict in reviewing applications.

Looking ahead

Quota applications will be processed and approved by the responsible Committee within the regional Department of Labor Office. Approvals are sent to the Ministry of Labor.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.