From last week's article we know the categories of foreign nationals and Commonwealth citizens who must apply for work permits if they are to be employed in Jamaica. In this week's article I will set out the documents which are required to be submitted to the Ministry of Labour when making applications for work permits:

1. Letter from local employer signed by director or company manager and addressed to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour.

2. Completed work permit application forms.

3. Voucher for payment on non-refundable processing fee.

4. Proof of applicant's academic and professional qualifications or letters of accreditation.

5. Applicant's curriculum vitae outlining the applicant's professional or business experience.

6. Police record issued by the security authority in the country or region where the applicant is domiciled.

7. Proof of business registration of local employer, such as business registration certificate or certificate of incorporation.

8. Copy of applicant's contract of employment and job description.

9. Tax compliance certificate, if the local employer has been in operation for one year or more.

10. Certified copies of the pages of the applicant's passport, which shows the applicant's identity, passport number, dates of issue and expiry, landing status in Jamaica and relevant visa (where applicable).

11. Two passport size photographs of professional quality taken no more than six months prior to the application, certified by a justice of the peace or a notary public.

13. Completed Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) form signed by the applicant.

14. Proof of advertisement of job. (This may not be required in all cases.)

The current processing fee is $14,400 and is payable at any branch of the National Commercial Bank. All the necessary documents are to be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and, once the application has been approved, the employer is required to pay a work permit fee of $108,000 per year.

It is advisable that applicants or local employers contact the Ministry of Labour or an attorney-at-law for further advice in completing applications for Jamaican work permits or work permit exemptions as the procedure will differ. The steps will also be different if the applicant is self-employed or if the application is being made for the first time or for renewal.

Sherry-Ann McGregor is a partner and mediator with the firm Nunes, Scholefield, DeLeon & Co. Send feedback and questions to lawsofeve@yahoo.com or Lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.

McGregor