Jamaica - Apply for Work Permit

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Procedure

Apply In-Person

1. Persons seeking to obtain a work permit are required to submit an application to the Work Permit Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) through their prospective employer, contractor or legal representative. You can view the MLSS office details via this link: Link
2. Obtain the application form any of the MLSS office or download it form their website through this link: Link (Application form).
3. Complete the application form correctly filling part one of the application form while your employer should fill part two of the application form. However, self-employed applicants to fill both part one and two of the form
4. Then write a formal letter addressed to the permanent secretary of the MLSS clearly stating:

   • The reasons for the application
   • The duration of the work being undertaken
   • Any efforts to recruit local persons to carry out the work stipulated

5. Attach all the required documents to the complete application form and the formal letter and visit any branch of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) to pay the non-refundable processing fee and obtain the payment receipt. Note that Application forms and cover letters are to be submitted in triplicate with two sets of required supporting documents
6. Submit the complete application including the payment receipt to the MLSS office for verification
7. The receiving MLSS officer will verify your application and forward it to the relevant authority for approval
8. The application will be reviewed and if it meets the required standards, the MLSS will approve your application
9. Once approved, your employer will be notified of the approval and will be required to pay the work permit fee and the Work Permit becomes effective from the date it was approved.
10. Upon payment the employer can obtain the work permit form the MLSS office and issue it to you

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Required Documents

• A cover letter outlining the nature and duration of the work to be undertaken. Details of investment proposal should also be stated (Documentary proof of proposed investment(s) should be submitted)
• Proof of Qualification
  • Certified copies of proof of academic or professional qualifications or letters of accreditation.
  • A letter of recommendation or written reference from the previous employer of the applicant or evidence of the business/commercial/professional activity of the applicant abroad.
• A resume outlining the professional or business experience of the applicant.
• Police record
• Proof of Business Registration
• Where an applicant is self-employed or where an enterprise is in operation for at least a year, or the applicant is applying for renewal of a Work Permit, a Tax Compliance Certificate should be submitted.
• Certified copies of pages from the passport of the applicant showing, (a) proof of identity, (b) passport number, (c) date of issue and expiry, (d) landing status in Jamaica and (e) relevant visas (where applicable).
• Two photographs
• Tax Payer Registration Number (TRN)

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS)
LABOUR DIVISION
1F North Street,Kingston ,
Jamaica,West Indies
Tel: (876) 922-9500-9
Fax: (876) 922-6902/ (876) 922-0996
Offices and contact details: Link

Eligibility

• Foreign individual seeking employment in Jamaica or foreign self-employed individuals

Fees

A non-refundable processing fee of JMD$14,400
Permit fee

• Up to 3 months: JMD $27,000
• 3 – 6 months: JMD $54,000
• 6 – 9 months: JMD $81,000
• 9 – 12 months: JMD $108,000

Validity

• The work permit is valid for 3 to 12 months depending on your application

Documents to Use

• Application from: Link (Application form)

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

• Applications for a work permit are usually processed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
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Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
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e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Work Permits are not transferable. Whenever a person to whom a Work Permit has been granted wishes to withdraw his/her services from one employer and take up employment with another before the expiration of the current Work Permit the applicant is required to submit a letter from the previous employer when making a new application, advising whether or not there is any objection to the applicant accepting employment elsewhere in Jamaica.

Required Information

• Names
• Address
• Contacts
• Nationality
• Passport details
• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Marital status
• Business details

Need for the Document

• A valid work permit proves that you are allowed to work in Jamaica

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

• MLSS: Link

Others

More information which might help people.