PICA Corner - No work permit required with unconditional-landing status

 I was born in the USA. I have 'unconditional landing' in my passport, based on my mother who was born in Jamaica.

I am planning to move to Jamaica with my family. Do I need a work permit to work in Jamaica?

No, you would not need to get a work permit in order to work here. Unconditional landing status allows an individual to live in Jamaica indefinitely while being able to attend school or work on the island without having to obtain a work permit.

Unconditional-landing status is typically granted to persons who fall in any of the following categories:

Persons born overseas to Jamaican parent(s).

Persons born in Jamaica but are travelling on non-Jamaican passports (for example, persons who are dual citizens).

Persons that have been naturalised or registered as a Jamaican (that is, individuals that have been granted Jamaican citizenship). Children of naturalised Jamaicans born after the receipt of a citizenship certificate are also entitled to this status.

Persons who are recognised under the Caribbean Community (policy of free movement of skilled persons) by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Dependents of such persons may also be granted unconditional landing status.

You mentioned that you are planning to take your family along with you to Jamaica. Please ensure you apply for unconditional-landing status for them as well. If you have children, they would be able to apply for unconditional landing, based on their lineage to their Jamaican grandmother.

If they are minors, below the age of 18 years, you would need to complete the application on their behalf. Upon entering the island, you should visit the Extension of Stay Unit at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) in order to make the application.

To apply for unconditional landing status by descent, you would need to provide:

The child's birth certificate (your name must be on the document).

Your birth certificate as you are the parent.

The birth certificate of your mother (this is to establish Jamaican lineage).

A valid ID for you, the parent.

The child's passport

You are also required to complete an application form for extension of stay. The cost for unconditional landing is J$10,000, which is transferable upon the expiration of your passport at a cost of J$5,000.

If your spouse does not fall in any of the above four categories, he or she would need to obtain a marriage-exemption certificate (from the Ministry of Labour & Social Security) in order to work in Jamaica.

Another option you may wish to consider is to apply for Jamaican citizenship which, in addition to providing one with the freedom to seek employment, opens up the door to other entitlements. Obtaining your citizenship would also make it possible for your family members to apply for citizenship if they so desire. The processing time for Jamaican citizenship, by descent, is 30 working days.

PICA Corner is a collaboration between The Gleaner and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Send questions, comments and suggestions to editor@gleanerjm.com and PICA will respond.