For many people across the globe, the Caribbean is the ideal place to vacation and work!
Whether it’s the tropical climate, the lower standards of living compared to some parts of the world, or the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, many foreigners come to these shores to seek career opportunities while enjoying rich cultures and a less hectic lifestyle.
Despite mainly being rooted in agriculture and tourism, the Caribbean offers a variety of in-demand jobs to both local and foreign professionals. These include:
Which jobs are in demand in the Caribbean?
From lucrative stock exchange markets to emerging technological capabilities, the Caribbean offers a high demand opportunities in:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Agri-business
- Telecommunications
- Media/Entertainment
- Engineering
- Audit & Compliance
- Accounting
- Public sector
- Social Work
- Specialised services – psychology, architecture, research, project management, management, consultancy
Who needs a work permit in the Caribbean?
Residents of non-Caribbean countries, or persons who do not hold a Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Skills Qualification, seeking employment in a particular territory require work permits.
More specifically, a work permit or work visa is needed by non-Caribbean nationals who are seeking employment within the region and possess a certain level of expertise or skill. Evidence is required by Immigration authorities that this expertise is not available locally. Non-nationals pursuing employment that exceeds thirty (30) days over a twelve (12) month period, are required by law to apply for a work permit.
How to get a work permit in the Caribbean?
Applications for work permits usually are done to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration Divisions or Ministry of National Security, depending on the regulations. In many cases, companies who hire non-nationals apply for work permits, on their behalf through their Human Resources or Legal departments.
Government agencies or attorneys can also apply for work permits for clients. Self-employed persons can file applications, however, hiring foreign professionals require the use of a sponsor.
What is the duration of a work permit?
The duration of the work permit can vary according to the laws of the Caribbean territory, as well as the type of work permit. For example, in Barbados work permits can be categorised as either short term or long term. Short term work permits carry a duration period of eleven (11) months. Long term work permits can be issued for a period of three (3) years.
Similarly in Jamaica, work permits can be issue for three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months and beyond. Each option carries a specific timeframe in which the work permit is valid.
Another type of work permit becoming more available within the Caribbean allows non-resident, freelance professionals to live and work on the island. In Antigua & Barbuda for example, this work permit is referred to as the Nomad Digital Resident (NDR) visa.
With increasing investment in telecommunications and other technologies, several islands in the Caribbean are offering this work permit as so as encourage non-nationals to their shores, establish their island as a hub for entrepreneurial activity and increase tourism, particularly business tourism.
The duration varies depending on the Caribbean territory. In Antigua, the NDR visa is valid for two (2) years. In Barbados, a similar type of work permit, called the ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa’ is valid for up to one (1) year.
How to apply for a work permit in the Caribbean?
Applications for a work permit can be done through State or Immigration Division’s websites. They indicate the forms to be filled, supporting documents to attach as well as who, how and where to address the application to.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of employment. The hiring company would have to produce evidence that non-national being recruited possesses some experience, competency or expertise which is unavailable in local job market. Companies would also have to show evidence that the position had been locally advertised for nationals over a period of time.
Applicants for a work permit need to provide the following information:
- Passport sized photos
- Passport information
- Police Certificate of Good Character/Police Clearance letter from their last place of residence
- Medical forms & reports
- Insurance coverage (if necessary)
- List of references/Reference Letters from applicant’s last place of residence (if necessary)
- Academic qualifications
- Company letter/Other employment information
Once the required forms and supporting documents are all completed, the application can be submitted to the local governing body – Ministry of Labour, Immigration Division or Ministry of National Security, as specified. If the company is acting on behalf of, the applicant can provide all the necessary information to the company’s HR or Legal department, who will file to the relevant authority.
How long does it take to get a work permit in the Caribbean?
In some territories it can take up to a week and beyond for the application to processed and the work permit to be issued. For example, the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa takes five (5) working days to process. The sponsor acting on behalf of the applicant will usually be informed as to how long the process takes.
How much is a work permit in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean is not homogenous in terms of its currency. Therefore, the cost of a work permit will vary according to the island you’re seeking to gain work entry in, their regulations as well as the type of permit you’re requesting. In Trinidad & Tobago for example, a work permit carries an application fee of TTD$600.00.
In Barbados, the application fee for a work permit is EC$450.00. The type of work permit also determines the cost applicants pay. In Antigua, an NDR Visa can cost $1,500.00 for a single applicant, $2,000.00 for two applicants and $3,000.00 for three applicants or more. Likewise, in Jamaica, application costs, payable to the Work Permit Department at the Ministry of Labour & Social Security can vary, depending on if the work permit is to be used for a three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) month period and more. A work entry visa for Antigua and Barbuda costs $175.00 (XCD) per applicant per year.
Additional Resources
Below are some resources links which can provide additional information relevant forms, FAQs, list of supporting documents required and additional information regarding the application process and living and working in the Caribbean.
- Barbados Immigration
- Jamaica Work permit in Jamaica
- Antigua and Barbuda Immigration
What should I read next?
- Read our article about Movin to the Caribbean: Research and Preparation
- Read our article about Find a job in the Caribbean
