Work Permit Exemptions in Jamaica

A Jamaican Senate bill will exempt certain categories of Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals from the country's work permit requirement. The changes are in keeping with Chapter Three of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which establishes Caricom and the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

Some categories of workers who will be exempted from work permits include self-employed persons, nurses, teachers, those who hold associates degrees, artisans with vocational qualifications and household domestics. The bill was also amended to limit the exemptions to those who are seeking long term work in Jamaica rather than temporary assignments or business. There will also be an increase in fines and penalties for breaches of the work permit requirements. For example, the current fine to an employer for hiring a foreign national without a work permit is $200, but this will be increased to $500,000 under the new law.

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