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Requirments for Working In Jamaica
The employment of non-Jamaicans in
Jamaica is governed by the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens
(Employment) Act, 1964, which seeks to ensure that qualified Jamaicans
are given first consideration in employment opportunities. At the
same time, it is recognized that the expertise needed for economic
development is not always available because of shortage in the supply
of certain special skills.
Non-Jamaicans seeking employment
in Jamaica are required to obtain work permits. Apply to:
Minister of Labour
1F North Street, Kingston
Jamaica, W.I.
Commonwealth Citizens may apply for
work permits after arrival in Jamaica. Relatives of these individuals
who are over 18 years of age, with special skills, may also apply
for work permits.
Non-Commonwealth citizens must apply
for a work permit prior to arrival in Jamaica. United States citizens
are considered non-Commonwealth citizens (i.e. foreigners or aliens)
since the United States of America is not a member country of the
British Commonwealth. United States citizens are therefore required
to ensure that work permits are obtained before applying for work
visas at either a Jamaican Embassy or Consulate.
Application forms, obtainable at
the Government Printing Office, must be completed, signed and submitted
by the prospective employer and must be accompanied by the required
documentation including proof by the prospective employer that the
vacancy was advertised and did not attract any suitably qualified
Jamaicans.
ued solely on the basis of evidence
of a confirmed job offer. Documentation to be presented on application
in this regard are:
a) valid national passport;
b) original letter from organization
affirming job offer;
c) original work permit approval
signed by or on behalf of the Minister of Labour, and
d) completed visa application form
accompanied by one (1) passport-size photograph.
e) visa fee
EXEMPTION FROM WORK PERMITS
Spouses of Jamaican Nationals may
be exempted from Work permits on application accompanied by:
a) certificate of marriage. (Note:
in cases where a previous marriage occurred, a Decree Absolute must
be presented);
b) proof of Jamaican citizenship
enjoyed by spouse, however acquired;
c) passport and passport-size photograph
of each spouse;
d) declaration by both spouses that
they share the same matrimonial home.
All foreigners employed in Jamaica
must inform the Ministry of Labour of a change of residence from
one parish to another.
IMMIGRATION
All individuals are landed at the
discretion of the Immigration Officer. In this connection they are
required to have on arrival return tickets (open tickets are advisable)
and valid passports with the appropriate Jamaican visa. Individuals
who arrive in Jamaica from countries where there are no Jamaican
visa-issuing authorities must also present a letter from the Minister
of Labour approving the work permit application. Upon landing, all
prospective employees must, prior to taking up their employment,
take the letter, along with travel documents (including airline
ticket), to the Immigration Office located at 230 Spanish Town Road,
Kingston 11, Jamaica, which will endorse the passport for the duration
of the work permit and issue a certificate to the Ministry of Labour,
on the basis of which the work permit will be released. The work
permit is validated at the discretion of the Minister of Labour.
Please be advised that if the passport expires within the period
for which the work permit was granted, the endorsement will cover
only the period for which the passport is valid.
Information Source: CONSULAR SECTION EMBASSY
OF JAMAICA
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