Labour Minister Pearnel Charles has committed to a viable work permit system for Jamaica, one that puts proper checks on imported labour and safeguards jobs for locals.

A work permit is a document or card bearing a number and a photograph that is issued to an expatriate, which authorises that individual to work in a country for a specified period of time.

In Jamaica, work permits are issued at the discretion of the Minister of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), who usually grants a permit after satisfying himself that the position was first advertised locally.

This is to protect citizens, who should have first preference for jobs in Jamaica, says MLSS Director of Industrial Relations and Allied Services, Errol Miller.

Work permits are granted to two categories of individuals: Those who are seeking to be employed in Jamaica, and those seeking to invest or operate a business here.

"Along with the application form, the applicant would be required to have a cover letter explaining the circumstances under which they require a work permit," said Miller.

requirements for permit

They would also be required to have a section of the form completed by the proposed employer.

Applicants are charged a non-refundable fee of $1,000 for the processing of applications.

Applicants are required to offer proof of qualification, including certified copies of academic or professional qualifications or letters of accreditation.

"They would require a letter of recommendation or written reference from the applicant's previous employer, or evidence of the applicant's business, commercial, or professional activity abroad," said Miller.

These documents, he tells JIS News, should be notarised or signed by a Justice of the Peace.

The individual would also be required to submit a résumé outlining his or her professional or business experience, a police record issued by the appropriate security authority in the applicant's homeland, and two, photographs in the case of a work permit, and one, in the case of a work permit exemption.

"They would also be required to submit certified copies of pages from the applicant's passport, showing proof of identity, passport number, date of issue and expiry, landing status in Jamaica as applicable, and that's really for the work permit renewal and relevant visa status," Miller says.

Prospective investors do not need to submit proof of qualification, but must offer proof of business experience, business registration, as well as the company's taxpayer registration number.

A first-time application must be submitted before the applicant enters the country.

The period for which the permit is granted will depend on the applicant's skill and the time requested.

It can take anywhere from one day to three years, said Miller, depending on the circumstances.

deportation

Penalties for work permit infringements include immediate deportation as well as a fine and, or imprisonment.

Penalties may also apply to the employer.

Groups exempted from work permits are outlined in the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Exemptions Regulations 1964, detailed on a list of 23.

The request for an exemption is usually made by way of a letter from the relevant organisation addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, providing details such as the full name of the applicant, his/her nationality, period for which exemption is being sought, and an explanation of duties to be performed by the applicant.

business@gleanerjm.com

Application process and who is exempt

WORK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS

Full-time students and academic staff of the University of the West Indies

Heads and members of missions

Consular officers and employees

Diplomats

Persons under contract to join in Jamaica as seamen on a ship of non-Jamaican registry.

Persons employed on ships of non-Jamaican registry

Writers (including journalists), broadcasters, sculptors and painters

Persons employed by the University Hospital as medical officers and student nurses.

Persons who visit Jamaica, on behalf of a principal abroad

Persons inspecting a factory plant, machinery or equipment

Ministers of religion

Business migrants under the Jamaican Business Migration Programme.