All foreign workers require work permits. Prospective employers can make applications on behalf of immigrant or non-indigenous workers or by the workers themselves. Approval will be based on evidence that: No trained or qualified Solomon Islander is available to fill that position. The foreign employee is qualified, experienced and able to train Solomon Islanders to undertake the task. Provision has been made for localising the position through suitable training, so that a Solomon Islander may eventually fill the position. A work permit typically takes three months to process but may be faster if all requirements (police clearance, medical report) are met at the application stage. The applicant should lodge his/her application whilst out of the country otherwise an extra fee of SBD 7,000.00 will be charged and the matter further delayed. A work permit is usually granted for a maximum period of two years and is specific to a particular employer only and is not transferable should the employee seek alternative employment.