A total of 2,827 Chinese workers were given permits to work in restaurants and the construction industry in this country for the years 2007 and 2008, Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Donna Cox, says.

Cox disclosed this information at the Parliament sitting yesterday, in response to a question on the Order Paper from Opposition MP Roodal Moonilal.

Cox said that in 2007, a total of 1,071 Chinese persons were granted work permits and in 2008, this figure was increased to 1,756.

According to the ministry’s database, Cox said, most of the Chinese workers are employed with construction companies and restaurants.

She noted that in 2007, approximately 74 per cent of the workers were employed in construction-related occupations (carpenters, welders, masons etc).

In addition, she said, about 11 per cent of Chinese workers were employed in food service occupations (chefs, cooks etc).

Cox added that in 2008, approximately 82 per cent of workers were employed in construction-related occupations, while five per cent were employed in food service occupations.

She said these workers are usually granted a work permit for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.

’The terms and conditions of employment for these workers are between their respective employers and the workers do not form part of the records of the National Security Ministry,’ she said.