Step #4: Work permit
Applying for a work permit
All non-citizens working in Solomon Islands must hold a valid work permit, except for government employees, diplomatic staff, Commonwealth government staff, and children under 18.
Process
1. Application requirements
- Foreign investors: Application form, fee receipt, passport photo, FIRC certificate, company registration, and proof of legal representation (if not named on the FIRC).
- Foreign workers: Application form, fee receipt, passport photo, employment contract, CV, academic certificates (if applicable), reference letter, FIRC approval (if employer is a foreign investor), organizational chart, localization training programme, and company registration (if locally owned).
- Renewals: Application form, fee receipt, original work permit, and for workers, a report on how previous conditions have been addressed.
2. How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted to the Commissioner of Labour (MCILI) using Form 1, together with the application fee and all supporting documents.
- The applicant must normally be outside Solomon Islands when applying (except for renewals or spousal applications).
- The application must demonstrate that no trained Solomon Islanders are available for the role and that the applicant is qualified and experienced.
3. Fees & processing
- Fee: Between SBD $355–1,300 (approx. US $43–158), depending on the position and duration.
- Processing time: Normally 2–4 weeks.
- If approved, an approval in principle is issued. Once the work permit fee is confirmed, the permit is registered and forwarded to the Director of Immigration for final endorsement.
- If rejected, applicants may lodge an appeal within 14 days to the Minister of Labour, who has 28 days to make a final decision.