PERMIT PROBE
Gov’t checks approvals granted to Chinese auto shop, workers; breaches could lead to fines, jail time, warns ministry
Published:Friday | April 25, 2025 | 12:13 AMSashana Small/Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said it has launched an investigation to determine whether the Chinese mechanics employed at WH Car Service, located in Ferry Pen near the St Andrew-St Catherine border, possess valid work permits.
The auto repair shop, which has been operational for two months, employs 10 Chinese mechanics and has quickly gained popularity.
Stating that he is aware of public concerns surrounding their employment status, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says a “comprehensive investigation is currently under way to determine whether all legal and regulatory requirements, including valid work permits and employment documentation, have been satisfied”.
He noted that specific details cannot be shared at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
COMMITTED TO TRANSPARENCY
“The ministry is working in full coordination with the relevant agencies to verify the facts and ensure that all applicable laws are upheld. The rights of both foreign workers and Jamaican citizens remain a priority and any breaches, if found, will be addressed in accordance with the law. We remain committed to transparency, due process and the protection of our labour market integrity,” he said.
According to the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act, foreign nationals seeking employment in Jamaica must obtain a valid work permit from the ministry. The law gives priority to qualified Jamaican citizens but allows for the employment of foreign workers with specialised skills not readily available locally. It is illegal for foreign nationals to work without permits and for employers to hire them without proper authorisation. Penalties include fines of up to $500,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
Charles committed to provide updates to the public when the investigation is concluded and the findings are formally reviewed.
In February, the minister announced that work had started to replace the existing work permit system and to improve business processes through the creation of a new web-based and mobile-friendly work permit management system.
At the time, he said that user acceptance testing would commence in March.
He added that the system would be informed by labour market intelligence as well as training and certification needs, and aim to close the skill gaps in the local economy.
“In so doing, the ministry is ensuring that work permits are granted to persons where there are no Jamaican counterparts or a shortage in the labour market,” he said.
Further, Charles said a work permit oversight committee has been established to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in approvals. He emphasised that the issuance of permits would be aligned with national development goals and identified skill gaps in key sectors.
“For years, we know that employers, foreign investors and workers have expressed serious concerns about inefficiencies in the process, ranging from delays in processing to challenges with regard to compliance and monitoring,” he said.
“Operation Streamline will specifically be designed to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring Jamaica remains an attractive destination for skilled talent, while also protecting opportunities for our local workforce,” Charles said.
According to the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica, the labour ministry approved 4,783 work permits in 2023 an increase of 22.1 per cent from the previous year. The majority of permits were granted in sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle and equipment repairs, construction, accommodation, and food services.
Asian and Latin American nationals accounted for the majority of approved work permits – 57.1 per cent and 15.9 per cent, respectively. Chinese nationals represented the largest group, with 1,817 permits, followed by Indian (726) and Mexicans (396).