Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 11/12/2009

Question
I am on a one year permit which ends Jan 2010, with the option of the employer renewing for another year (to Jan 2011). I have been working with my company for over 1.5 years now. I am on a two year contract which ends June 2010. I am not happy in my current role and would like for my permit to not be renewed come Jan 2010. If I inform my employer of this can I then look for work.

Answer
You are free to seek alternate employment to commence after the expiration of your permit.

Some employment contracts include a non-compete clause. If your contract has such a clause then your present employer could object to issuance of a new permit with a competing business.

You may begin your search for a new job immediately. A new employer can submit an application for a permit to begin immediately after you current permit expires. If that new permit is not yet approved then you will be required to leave the islands while it is still being processed.