FSM Information Services
Press Release
President Panuelo Signs Emergency Regulation Amending the Public Service System Regulation on Hazardous Pay Funding; Foreign Service Officers Eligible to Receive 25% of Base Pay
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On August 10th, 2020, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), signed an emergency regulation (which is also proposed to become a permanent regulation) on the applicable guidelines on hazardous pay, as appropriated in Section 9(12)(H) of Public Law No. 21-42. FSM healthcare and foreign service personnel who are working in a jurisdiction with a confirmed case of COVID-19 may be entitled to additional compensation inclusive of twenty five percent (25%) on top of their base pay.
The emergency regulation applies specifically to the COVID-19 hazard pay funded by the 21st FSM Congress and inserts “Subpart 8.8A Hazard pay on COVID-19” into the Public Service System Regulations. It defines hazardous work as “occupation or work assignment that involves unusual and extreme hazards to health and safety” in a country, state, or territory with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Eligible employees are considered healthcare workers and foreign service personnel, including officials and contractors. Oher employees may be designated in subsequent regulations. Those eligible to receive hazardous pay would be entitled to receive an additional 25% on top of their base pay.
“This regulation accomplishes two purposes,” President Panuelo said in a statement. “The first is that it recognizes the exemplary performance of our foreign service officers who are operating in COVID-19 environments whilst serving our citizens with the financial support they need to make the Pandemic more bearable. For too long our foreign service officers have been sacrificing their health and safety for the good of the Nation, and this regulation—charitably funded by the astute leadership of the 21st FSM Congress—provides for them.”
“The second piece of this regulation ensures that, if the FSM receives a case of COVID-19, certain employees in our Nation’s frontline healthcare, border protection, immigration, police, maritime surveillance, customs, and quarantine workers may be eligible to receive hazardous pay.”
The emergency regulations can be seen here: http://gov.fm/files/Hazardous_Pay_Regulation_August_10_2020.pdf
As of August 10th, 2020, the FSM remains COVID-19 free.
