CSME OVERVIEW. Free Movement of Skills is classified under two categories:

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1 CSME OVERVIEW BACKGROUND TO THE CSME 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: (1) The Free Movement of Skills/Labour; and (2) The Facilitation of Travel/Hassle Free Travel 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 1- WAGE EARNERS 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:

2 University Graduates with at least a Bachelor s Degree or equivalent qualifications, such as ACCA qualifications Pts 1 & 2 ; Musicians Artistes Sports Persons Media Workers Registered Nurses Trained Teachers Artisans, who have obtained a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Associate Degrees and equivalents (University Diplomas; Technical Institutes [GTI] Diplomas, and Technician Certificates Parts 1 & 2; CAT Completed qualifications. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPROVED CATEGORIES OF WAGE EARNERS University Graduates (Degree/Associate Degree/Diploma)/ACCA Parts 1 & 2 requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the "Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community" - A copy (and the original for verification) of the bio-data page in your passport as well as the page indicating the expiry date - A copy (and the original for verification) of University Degree/ACCA certificates Parts 1 & 2

3 Non Graduate: Musicians requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community - Three reference letters vouching for credentials (if applicable) - Copies (and original for verification) of relevant qualifications in the field of music (if applicable) - Samples of work (CD s, etc) - A copy (and original for verification) of the biodata page of the passport and the page with the expiry date Non Graduate: Artistes requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community - Three reference letters vouching for credentials

4 - Copies (and original for verification) of relevant qualifications in the field of art (if applicable) - A copy (and original for verification) of the biodata page of the passport and the page with the expiry date - Pictures/copies of work Non Graduate: Sportspersons requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community - Letter from the respective National Federation/Association as well as from the local club that the applicant is registered in a particular field of sport, the letter should also state the length of the involvement in the sport. - Copies (and original for verification) of relevant qualifications in the field of sports (if applicable) - A Copy (and original for verification)of the biodata page of the passport and the page with the expiry date - A Copy (and original for verification) of Marriage certificate (if applicable) - One recent passport size photo

5 - Non Graduate: Media Workers requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community - Three reference letters from current/former employer stating the number of years that you have been involved in the media and your job description - A copy (and original for verification) of the biodata page of the passport and the page with the expiry date - A copy and original of Birth Certificate - Copies of work where applicable Registered Nurses requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the "Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community" - Authorisation letter for Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek verification from the Nursing council - A copy (and the original for verification) of the pages in your passport with the details relating to your citizenship, date and place of birth, as well as the page indicating the expiry date

6 - A copy and original for verification) of Marriage certificate (if applicable) - A copy (and the original for verification) of Nursing Certificate Trained Teachers requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the "Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community" - Letter stating: i. the name by which you were registered at the commencement of your programme, ii. and name at the time of graduation if different from commencement, iii. duration of the programme i.e. year started/registered and year completed, iv. programme pursued Nursery, Primary or Secondary. If secondary, please state secondary academic or secondary pre-vocational and v. Pre Service/In - Service - A copy (and the original for verification) of the pages in your passport with the details relating to your citizenship, date and place of birth, as well as the page indicating the expiry date

7 - Two copies (and the original for verification) of your Permanent Trained Teacher s Certificate Technical Certificates requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the "Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community" - A copy (and the original for verification) of the bio-data page in your passport as well as the page indicating the expiry date - Two copies (and the original for verification) of GTI Diplomas/Ordinary Diplomas /Technician certificates parts 1 & 2 CAT Qualifications requesting the issuance of a certificate in respect of the "Free Movement of Skilled Nationals of the Caribbean Community" - A copy (and the original for verification) of the bio-data page in your passport as well as the page indicating the expiry date

8 - A copy (and the original for verification) of CAT certificates parts 1-3 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) ).

9 Frequently Asked Questions 1. 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. 2. Who can apply for a Free Movement of Skills Certificate? Any qualifying CARICOM National. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. How long does it take to get the Free Movement of Skills Certificate? The process takes four (4) to five (5) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process.) 6. How much does the certificate cost? In Guyana the cost is G$ N.B: This prices varies from Member State to Member State. 7. Does the certificate expire? There is no expiration date for the certificate. 8. What are the documents needed for this certificate? Please check the list of requirements on pages two (2) - seven (7).

10 9. Are all CARICOM countries a part of the Free Movement arrangement? The following countries are currently in the Free Movement regime: Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Belize Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica St. Lucia St. Kitts and Nevis St. Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad and Tobago 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) Fax: (592) minfor@guyana.net.gy January 2009