In the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which created the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) there are specific provisions relating to the free movement of persons divided into two broad categories:
FREE MOVEMENT OF SKILLS
The Free Movement of Skills/Labour entails the right of a CARICOM National to seek work and/or engage in gainful employment in all CARICOM Member States (with the exception of The Bahamas, Montserrat, and Haiti) without the need to obtain a work permit.
Free Movement of Skills is classified under two categories:
1- Wage Earners: persons seeking employment;
2- Non-Wage Earners: persons who are self-employed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a Free Movement of Skills certificate to persons who fall under Wage Earners and are desirous of seeking employment in another CARICOM Member State. The approved categories of wage earners who are entitled to move and work freely in the Community are:
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPROVED CATEGORIES OF WAGE
EARNERS
Uplift or print the application form and fill out the required information
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
HOLDERS OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
MUSICIANS
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
ARTISTES
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
SPORTS PERSONS
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
MEDIA WORKERS
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicant must be a member of the Guyana Press Association
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
REGISTERED NURSES
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
The applicant is required to visit the Nursing Council and request that the Council send a verification letter on their behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to facilitate the application
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
TRAINED TEACHERS
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
CARIBBEAN VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (CVQ)
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
Note:
Applicants should present the original copies of all documents listed.
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
NB: In cases where the original documents cannot be produced, notarized copies will be accepted.
NON-WAGE EARNERS
The Non-Wage Earners are self-employed CARICOM Nationals (juridical as well as natural persons who have the right to work as self-employed persons in the C.S.M.E. and these persons can move to another Member State to establish a business or to provide a service on temporary basis. This category of person is
NOT require a Free Movement of Skill Certificate, however Service Providers must obtain a Certificate of Registration as a CARICOM Service Provider.
(For further information contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 254 South Road Georgetown, Tel #: (592) - 225 – 3982).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Free Movement of Skills Certificate?
The Free Movement of Skills Certificate is a document that is issued to any CARICOM national that falls under the approved categories. This certificate eliminates the need for a work permit in a CARICOM country.
Who can apply for a Free Movement of Skills Certificate?
Any qualifying CARICOM National.
How do you apply for the Free Movement of Skills Certificate?
Submit the list of required documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it is not possible to submit in person someone can submit on your behalf. In this case documents that are copied should be notarized. Fill out the form – Particulars Relating to the Applicant.
Can I apply for the Free Movement of Skills Certificate in another Member State?
Agencies responsible for Free Movement in the various CARICOM Member States are authorized to issue certificates to any CARICOM National as long as requirements are met.
How long does it take to get the Free Movement of Skills Certificate?
The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process.)
How much does the certificate cost?
In Guyana the cost is G$1500.00. N.B: This prices varies from Member State to Member State.
Does the certificate expire?
There is no expiration date for the certificate.
What are the documents needed for this certificate?
Please check the list of requirements on pages two (2) - seven (7).
Are all CARICOM countries a part of the Free Movement arrangement?
The following countries are currently in the Free Movement regime:
For further information or assistance pertaining to the Free Movement of Skills certificate, please contact:
Free Movement Unit Department of the Americas Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Takuba Lodge’
254 South Road
GEORGETOWN
Tel: (592) – 225-3982
Fax: (592) -225-9192
E-mail: minfor@guyana.net.gy