The work force of the Northern Mariana Islands is a diversified mix of U.S. citizens, Micronesians and guest workers from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and other countries. People from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau may freely work in the Northern Marianas with the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens.

Businesses can hire foreign workers for a term of three years, provided that the worker has at least two years of experience in their job category and other local limitations have been met. All guest workers must undergo mandatory health screening upon entering and exiting the Northern Marianas. Employers of guest workers are obligated to provide medical care and transportation to and from the worker's home country, as well as other benefits mandated by local law.

Minimum wage and immigration is controlled by the Northern Marianas government through the Department of Labor and Immigration (DOLI). A Wage Review Board, comprised of business, government and labor representatives is responsible for studying and setting the minimum wages for specific job categories. Both the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations apply in the Northern Marianas. The FLSA establishes overtime pay, record keeping and child labor standards.

A variety of public and private organizations provide assistance to businesses and their employees. The Society for Human Resources Management, a U.S.-based private organization, provides training opportunities to help businesses professionalize their human resource management. The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA) has helped to standardize and promote their industry through the organization's principals of monitoring, code of conduct and employee bill of rights. The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands also has a code of ethics and promotes professional human resources practices by hoteliers. Funding assistance for training local entry level employees is available through the Workforce Investment Agency. The Employment Services Division of DOLI provides referrals of local workers to private industry.