Apply for a Jamaican Work Permit

Work Permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (the “MLSS”) and authorise a foreign national to work in Jamaica for a specified time period and conditions. The requirement applies to “foreign nationals” - ie. any person who is not a Jamaican citizen, Commonwealth citizen or a Caricom national. Foreign nationals and Commonwealth citizens (other than certain exempt Caricom nationals) are required to obtain a work permit to be employed in Jamaica.

Offence

It is an offence for a person who requires, but does not have, a valid a work permit to engage in any occupation or be employed in Jamaica. It is also an offence to employ a person who requires, but does not have, a valid a work permit. Offenders may be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

Process

Employers or their Legal Representatives submitting work permit applications on behalf of prospective employees are required to submit a cover letter to the Permanent Secretary of the MLSS, outlining:

1.      The reasons for the application

2.      The duration of the work being undertaken

3.      Any efforts to recruit local persons to carry out the work stipulated

Applications for work permits on behalf of self-employed persons must also be submitted with a cover letter outlining

1.      The nature and duration of the work stipulated

2.      Certified copies of the credentials of the applicant

3.      Two (2) passport photographs

4.      The individual’s resume

5.      The individual’s police record

A non-refundable processing fee of JMD$14,400 must be submitted with the application . If approval is granted by the MLSS, a work permit fee must be paid by the applicant before the permit can be issued.

Duration of Permit                            Government Work Permit Fee (JMD)

Up to 3 months                                  J$27,000

3 – 6 months                                      J$54,000

6 – 9 months                                      J$81,000

9 – 12 months                                    J$108,000

We can help…

Ramsay & Partners assists employers and contractors with work permit applications in jamaica.

*https://jis.gov.jm/information/faqs/applying-for-a-jamaican-work-permit/