Employment Visa
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 a work permit. Work Permits are issued only by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica and all applications should be submitted directly to that Ministry. Their contact details are:
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security
1F North Street, Kingston, Jamaica W.I.
- Telephone: 00 1876 922 9500-12
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: mlss.gov.jm
Short-Term Business
Foreign nationals entering the country to conduct short-term business (such as consultations, meetings, inspections, repairs, technical advice) are admissible as ‘visitors’ in accordance with the entry requirements applicable to the visitors from their respective countries (e.g. A French national who is travelling to Jamaica to conduct business may enter as a visitor for 30 days without a visa). Each visit should not exceed thirty (30) days and the cumulative number of days within a calendar year should not exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days. The usual conditions remain in place with respect to persons who seek to be admitted on the basis of employment, study etc.
Work Permit Fee Structure
Effective April 28, 2008
Category of Work Permit | Application Fee WorkJ$ | Work Permit FeeJ$ |
---|---|---|
a) Work permits granted for any period up to three (3) months. | 14,400.00 or its equivalent | 27,000.00 or its equivalent |
b) Work permits granted for a period of more than three (3) months, but not more than six (6) months. | 14,400.00 or its equivalent | 54,000.00 or its equivalent |
c) More than six (6) months, but not more than nine 9 months. | 14,400.00 or its equivalent | 81,000.00 or its equivalent |
c) Work permits granted for any periodof more than nine (9) months. but not more than one (1) year. | 14,400.00 or its equivalent | 108,000.00 or its equivalenta |
A fee of JA$7,200.00 or its equivalent will be charged to replace ID Cards lost, damaged or stolen.
Fees are subject to change. Please contact the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for further information:
Mrs. Andrea Miller Stennett
Ministry of Labour & Social Security
Work Permit Section
Tel: 1-876-922-3904
E-mail: www.mlss.gov.jm
- Cruise passengers
- Online application forms