Press Releases

Department of Labor Reminds ALL Employers to Submit

2025 Census of Employment (COE) Data by April 30, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2026 

 Saipan, CNMI — The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) is issuing a formal public advisory to all employers across the government, nonprofit, autonomous, and private sectors to submit their 1st Quarter 2025 Census of Employment (COE) data no later than April 30, 2026

Timely submission is critical to advancing the CNMI’s strategic goal of closing employment data gaps and strengthening overall compliance. Roughly 75 percent of employers have not yet fulfilled the COE reporting requirement. These outstanding submissions represent both a compliance concern and an opportunity to reinforce the CNMI’s economic data infrastructure. 

Why the COE Matters 

The Census of Employment provides essential insight into workforce levels across all sectors, enabling the CNMI to better understand labor market trends and identify workforce needs. For Fiscal Year 2026, CNMI DOL is prioritizing increased compliance to ensure complete, accurate, and timely employment data. 

Incomplete reporting limits the ability of policymakers and community leaders to develop informed workforce strategies and effective economic policies. 

Who Must Submit 

All employers operating within the CNMI—including government agencies, autonomous entities, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses—are required to submit COE data, regardless of size or sector. 

Non-business employers, such as government agencies and nonprofit organizations, are required to submit the COE annually only and are not subject to quarterly reporting requirements. 

Companies with no employees are also asked to submit an Affidavit of Zero Employees through the designated submission link. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance 

Employers who fail to submit their COE data by the deadline may be subject to follow-up enforcement actions and may be denied the Certificate of Good Standing issued by CNMI DOL. Beyond enforcement, non-compliance undermines collective efforts to maintain accurate and reliable employment data for the Commonwealth. 

How to Submit 

Employers can complete their submission by visiting: labor.cnmi.gov → Employers → Report Census of Employment 

All completed COE forms must be submitted by April 30, 2026

For questions or assistance, employers may contact CNMI DOL at (670) 664-3196

The Department of Labor extends its appreciation to all employers who have already complied and thanks them for their continued cooperation in supporting the CNMI’s workforce and economic development efforts. 

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