The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is an integrated development strategy envisioned at the 10th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which took place in July 1989 in Grand Anse, Grenada. See Grand Anse Declaration at link:http://www19.iadb.org/intal/intalcdi/PE/2013/12630.pdf
The 2001 Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) is the legal instrument establishing the CSME. See Revised Treaty at link: http://cms2.caricom.org/documents/4906-revised_treaty-text.pdf
Jamaica is a party to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and has enacted legislation to bring the provisions of the Treaty and the CSME Regime into full effect under domestic law, as implemented. The CSME is built on five (5) core Regimes, namely: i) Free Movement of Capital; (ii) Free Movement of Goods; (iii) Free Movement of Skills; (iv) The Provision of Services; and (v) The Right of Establishment. In addition, the CSME facilitates hassle-free travel for all CARICOM Nationals.
Jamaica began implementation of the CSME Regime in January 2006 with the implementation of the Single Market. Since then, the country has adopted legislation including the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons Act) which provides for the movement of skilled nationals in ten (10) approved categories. As a result, there is no need for CARICOM nationals to apply for work permits in these ten (10) specified categories noted below:
- Graduates of all recognised Universities
- Artistes
- Musicians
- Sportspersons
- Media Workers
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Artisans with Caribbean Vocational Qualifications ( such as those issued by Heart Trust/NTA)
- Holders of Associate Degrees or comparable qualifications
Jamaicans falling within the categories above may apply for Skills Certificates at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Work permits are required for employment in any CSME participating territory for employment in areas of activity outside of those these 10 categories.
Note that The Bahamas and Montserrat are not participating in the CSME.
See pamphlet for the CSME (Free Movement of Persons Regime) at https://mfaft.gov.jm/jm/caricom-travel-advisory/
See pamphlet for the CSME (Free Movement of Skilled Nationals Regime) at:
See Booklet on Social Security in the CSME at https://mfaft.gov.jm/jm/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Social-Security-Within-Caricom.pdf
For further information on the CSME see: http://caricom.org/our-work/the-caricom-single-market-and-economy-csme/
