While the economy is on the rise in Guyana, candidates from around the region can discover new spaces for employment. And in this South American territory, a new wave of vacancies are regularly made available which foreign candidates can and should consider.
Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and became independent in 1966. Guyana is eighty-three thousand square miles in area and more than 80% of the land area is still forested. The country is rich with most valuable mineral deposits including bauxite, gold, and diamonds with the agricultural sector accounting for half of the national GDP. Guyana, is a CARICOM Member State with promising human potential, boasts a large, mobile and inexpensive labor force comprising unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers.
Normal workday in Guyana
For most jobs, the nation of Guyana offers the typical 9-5 workday structure to adults at the age of 18 years and older while observing weekends and a relatively conservative list of national public holidays (bank holidays). Contracted work hours can vary based on the industry and on the agreement between employees and employers. Depending on the demands of the role, it is advised that candidates discuss all expectations openly and have the details clearly defined in the final and agreed work contract between both parties. It is possible that candidates may negotiate benefits that include work from home days, flexi-time, and other schedules related to daily work commitments.
Industries that offer job opportunities in Guyana
Living and working in Guyana as a foreign national is as challenging as it would be in other countries, in that the same general and competitive rules of engagement apply. Foreign candidates should look to online job boards to review the industries best suited to their skills and also for companies actively seeking foreign recruits. Applications should be made with consideration of the requirements and responsibilities of the role in question. With regard to the industries that are most likely to have opportunities for professional candidates, the areas can include but are not limited to:
- General Management
- Medical Professions and Healthcare
- Retail, Wholesaling, and Purchasing
- Sales
- Construction, Architecture, and Property
- Energy, Oil, and Gas
- Engineering and Utilities
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Science, Pharmaceuticals, and Food
- Transport, Warehousing, Automotive
Work permit and qualifications
When looking for work in foreign countries, it is important to secure the correct work permits and documents. When considering Guyana as a country for career pursuits, applications should be made to the national Ministry of Home Affairs. Application forms can be found on their website, downloaded, completed, and submitted for approval. It should be noted that approval of a work permit does not guarantee job placement. This process only makes it legal to be employed by a Guyanese company as a foreign national. The approved permit is usually valid for a period of three years.
What is it like to work in Guyana
The job hunt is on in the Caribbean, especially in emerging markets like Guyana. Bearing this in mind, it is important to note that for foreign nationals seeking work in countries like Guyana, the relevant and legal paperwork, authorization, and recruitment processes, which are mandatory for the legitimacy of an approved international recruit, are required.
