Employers wishing to employ foreign workers in the Cook Islands must first advertise vacant positions locally unless the position requires specialist skills that are in shortage or not available in the Cook Islands. Employers are required to seek clearance from Immigration Cook Islands should they wish to recruit a foreign worker. The employer may be asked to justify the advertising of a position to be filled by a foreign worker.

Employers may apply for permission to employ a foreign worker if a suitable Cook Islander (including those living overseas) or Permanent Resident cannot be found to fill the vacant position. Employers may do this by writing to Immigration Cook Islands for permission to recruit a foreign worker.

Some of the requirements to be met before an entry permit is granted are set out in the document Recruitment of Foreign Workers: A guide for employers . The document also sets out the employer’s obligations once an entry permit is granted.