Tiered Work Permit Fees Could Be Implemented
June 4, 2013The Full Story
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a tiered work permit fee structure, in a bid to streamline the issuance process.
Making the disclosure during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House on June 4, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, said the proposed structure, along with a pre-approved point system, will help to make the issuance of work permits more efficient in various sectors, such as agriculture and telecommunications.
[RELATED: Flexible Work Arrangements Will be a Reality – Minister Kellier]
“This is being done in an effort to encourage local entrepreneurship and productive investments,” the Minister told the House.
He further emphasised that these measures are being implemented to protect the Jamaican worker and to “prevent unscrupulous persons from compromising our work permit system.”
Mr. Kellier noted that the process of issuing work permits is guided by an Inter- Ministerial Committee, which meets on a bi-weekly basis to review and make recommendations for approval.
“This group provides invaluable expertise to the process of granting a work permit. The committee also conducts research into the needs of the market and assists in carrying out investigations to minimise the reported incidence of human trafficking,” he said.
Contact: Alecia Smith-Edwards