THE labour ministry has urged overseas employment agencies to become compliant with the regulations governing the sector.

At a recent overseas employment agency session, held at the ministry’s North Street office, Director General Sydney Bartley told the operators that non-compliance could result in loss of benefits to the agencies.

“If there is no compliance, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security might not be able to lobby effectively on your behalf for any incentives, tax relief or special provisions as necessary. The Government and the country have to be convinced that the agencies are serious business operators and are making a serious contribution to the economy,” he said.

Bartley added that the service the agencies offer is important, but this is not always known because of the prevalence of the negativity that surrounds the sector. He reminded the operators that this stereotyping will not go away if they refuse to adhere to simple regulations like the submission of quarterly reports.

These reports, the director general said, “are important, so that contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), that is, the number of overseas job placements, can be recorded”.

Compliant operators were praised for their committed service and encouraged to continue to forge a close relationship with the ministry.

“This is a partnership relationship and we want it to work for both sides, so that the ministry can attest to the effectiveness and efficiency of the agencies, their value to communities and contribution to the economy,” Bartley said.