A shortage of workers continues to be felt in the Northern Marianas.
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied
The US Department of the Interior said there simply were not enough US-eligible workers available in the CNMI.
It said the CNMI explored sourcing workers from regional jurisdictions such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands which are in free association with the US.
However, the CNMI cannot meet its labour needs from them.
Our correspondent said that was despite the US government providing more than $US1 million to train FSM citizens through the Center for Micronesian Empowerment.