MLSS – $2.95 Billion in Outstanding NIS Contributions

Auditor General's Findings

The Auditor General’s 2020 Annual Report highlighted a concern for operational inefficiencies at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

1. Failure to Account for Employers’ Contributions

NIS did not have an effective system to account for employers’ contributions. As at March 31, 2015, the NIS did not account for outstanding employers’ contributions totalling $2.95 billion. 

2. Status of non-compliant employers unknown

The Ministry also does not have a complete list of total outstanding NIS contributions owed by employers. Consequently, the AuGD was unable to determine the level of indebtedness to the Fund. “NIS’ failure to conduct proper checks and monitoring might result in some delinquent employers being overlooked and contributors’ rights to benefits under the Scheme may be denied.”

This is a ongoing concern raised by the AuGD from an earlier 2015 Activity Based Audit Report that has not seen improvements.