This requirement was announced by the minister responsible for Social Security, Vincent Wheatley, during a recent session of the House of Assembly.

He said the new policy follows the increase in the volume of applications that are now processed by both institutions weekly.

“Prior to COVID-19, an application for one of the aforementioned certificates took, at most, 48 hours. Due to the large increase in the number of applications (approximately 100 NHI, 100 SSB per week) it is taking much longer, as the Social Security Board has not employed additional resources,” Wheatley explained.

“Therefore, to ensure that applicants obtain certificates in time to file for their work permits, SSB/NHI is asking that persons apply one month prior to the expiration of their work permits,” he added.

Initiative recording mixed results

In the meantime, Wheatley said the overall decision for businesses to now produce the aforementioned certificates have been achieving some positive results.

He said: “The Honourable Premier and his government are committed to ensuring that employers live up to their legal and moral obligations … Several employers who were in default for an extended period of time have been forced to pay past-due contributions.”

However, Wheatley said there still is a significant number of employers who are unresponsive to the programme and remains past due on their taxes.