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Jamaica – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Jamaica

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Jamaica. The work permit is required for all foreign nationals who are seeking employment in Jamaica, regardless of the type of work, duration of stay, or nationality. The employer must make the application for the work permit on behalf of the foreign national.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Jamaica

The types of work permits for expats in Jamaica are:

  • General Employment Work Permit: This type of work permit is for foreign nationals who are seeking employment in Jamaica for a period of one year or more.

  • Contract Work Permit: This type of work permit is for foreign nationals who are seeking employment in Jamaica for a specific project or contract.

  • Temporary Work Permit: This type of work permit is for foreign nationals who are seeking employment in Jamaica for a period of up to six months.

Work Permit Application Process in Jamaica

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Jamaica involves the following steps:


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  1. The employer must first make a request for a work permit to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

  2. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will then review the request and determine if the foreign national is eligible for a work permit.

  3. If the foreign national is eligible, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will issue a Work Permit Approval Letter to the employer.

  4. The employer must then submit the Work Permit Approval Letter and other required documents to the Jamaican Consulate or Embassy in the foreign national’s home country.

  5. The Jamaican Consulate or Embassy will then issue the work permit to the foreign national.

The application process for a work permit in Jamaica can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on the type of work permit being applied for and the processing time of the Jamaican Consulate or Embassy.

Work Permit Documents in Jamaica

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Jamaica:

  1. Work Permit Approval Letter from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

  2. Completed work permit application form.

  3. Passport with a validity of at least six months.

  4. Two passport-sized photos.

  5. Proof of financial means to support oneself during the stay in Jamaica.

  6. Police clearance certificate from the foreign national’s home country.

  7. Educational and professional qualifications.

Work Permit Costs in Jamaica

The cost of applying for a work permit in Jamaica can vary depending on the type of work permit being applied for and the processing time of the Jamaican Consulate or Embassy. Typically, the cost of a work permit in Jamaica ranges from JMD 50,000 to JMD 200,000.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Jamaica

Expats can go to the following websites for reliable information on working legally in Jamaica:


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