KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Bill to amend the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act, to broaden the categories of skilled nationals able to access jobs in regional countries has been tabled in the House of Representatives, by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Derrick Kellier.
The Bill provides for the introduction of a single certificate system, and it also seeks to implement fees to provide financing for administrative services for the processing and issue of qualifying certificates as well as increase penalties to deter non-compliance with the Act.The Bill’s “Memorandum of Objects and Reasons” explains that the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act established the legislative framework for the phased implementation of Jamaica’s Treaty obligations under Articles 45 and 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing the Caribbean Community, which was signed in the Bahamas on July 5, 2001.The revised Treaty was itself implemented into domestic law by the Caribbean Community Act, and Article 45 of the Revised Treaty commits member states to the goal of the free movement of nationals within the community.Articles 46 of the Revised Treaty obliges Jamaica and other member states to accord categories of community nationals the right to seek employment in their respective jurisdictions, and to establish appropriate legislative, administrative and procedural arrangements to facilitate movement of nationals into and within member state jurisdictions.The Free Movement of Skilled Persons arises from an agreed CARICOM policy that was originally separate but related to the original Protocol II of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.The agreed policy, called The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Free Movement of Persons Act, is now enacted legislation in all the CSME Member States. It provides for the free movement of certain categories of skilled labour. Under this legislation, persons within these categories can qualify for Skills Certificates (which allow for the free movement across the region).Eight categories of CARICOM nationals have been eligible for free movement throughout the CSME, without the need for work permits. They are: University Graduates, Media Workers, Artistes, Musicians, Sportspersons, Managers, Technical and Supervisory Staff attached to a company and Self-Employed Persons/Service Providers.In addition the spouses and immediate dependent family members of these nationals will also be exempt from work permit requirements. At the July 2006 CARICOM Summit, it was agreed to allow for free movement of two more categories of skilled persons; tertiary-trained Teachers and Nurses.It was also agreed that higglers, artisans, domestic workers and hospitality workers are to be added to the categories of labour allowed free movement at a later date, pending the agreement of an appropriate certification.– Balford HenryLike our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserverView the original article here
CARICOM Free Movement Bill tabled
