Major amendments to American Samoa's immigration law which will affect businesses who sponsor foreigners to work in the territory take effect this week.
Among the amendments, businesses that are considered partnerships will no longer be allowed to sponsor foreigners, and sponsorship can no longer be transferred from one company to another.
Corporations in the territory are still allowed to sponser migrant workers, but will have to comply with stringent requirements which include obtaining certification from the Attorney General.
The Attorney General, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, says the business sponsorship provision needed to be amendmended.
"This has been a major loophole in our immigration that has allowed large numbers of people into American Samoa."
American Samoa Photo: AFP
