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Teno backs memo against entry of PROC nationals
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Posted on Jul 29 1999
Admitting the move was prompted by “misleading” reports that Chinese nationals can apply for asylum in the CNMI, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday backed the Department of Labor and Immigration to halt again issuance of new entry permits to citizens of mainland China.
He said the People’s Republic of China is included among the “high-risk” countries and that their workers and visitors intending to travel to the Northern Marianas must seek first DOLI’s approval.
“This was prompted by reports on encouraging PROC people to apply for asylum. It is very misleading because CNMI has its own immigration laws,” Tenorio told reporters. “There is a procedure for us to go through if there is an asylum request.”
On Tuesday, Labor and Immigration Sec. Mark Zachares reacted strongly against news reports claiming that Chinese workers on the island can now seek asylum as provided under federal laws.
The Commonwealth handles its own immigration and the U.S. immigration laws are not applicable to the island, according to a memorandum released by his office.
But Zachares, citing negative impact of the report, issued fresh instructions against continuing the issuance of new entry permits to all PROC nationals in the wake of refusal and delay by Beijing to accept returning workers from the CNMI.
The memorandum, including cancellation of the Authorizations to Board or ATBs, was addressed to all airlines, labor and immigration officers and ports of entry.
The order applies to all new entry permits, including new workers, replacement workers, tourists, short-term business, 90-day business, long-term business, special industry, students and immediate relatives.
Application for renewals, however, will be accepted. A similar order was issued in the past by the labor and immigration department in view of difficulties encountered by DOLI in deporting nationals from PROC.
