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:
- The Free Movement of Skills/Labour; and
- 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:
- 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)
- Holders of Associate Degree
- Domestic Workers
- Agricultural Workers
- Private Security Officers
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
- Passport bio-data
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- University Degree
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Recent police clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: 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
- Passport bio-data page
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- Associate Degree/CAT/ACCA/Ab-Initio Certificate, etc
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Recent police clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: 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
- At least three(3) References on letterheads from reputable persons vouching for your credentials
- Relevant qualifications in the field of music
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Passport bio data page
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- Recent passport size photo
- Portfolio of work (e.g. CDs, DVDs, newspaper/magazine articles, etc)
- Recent Police Clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: 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
- At least three (3) References(on letter heads) from reputable persons vouching for your credentials
- A profile displaying years of work with financial receipts, newspaper clippings, magazine features etc.
- Relevant qualifications in the field of art
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Passport bio data page
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- One recent passport size photo
- Pictures/copies of work (portfolio)
- Recent Police Clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
SPORTS PERSONS
The following has to be scanned and uploaded to the online website: caps.caricom.org
- Letter from the respective National Federation/Association as well as from the local club that the applicant is registered in a particular field of sports and the duration of the involvement in the sport.
- Pictures of applicant playing sport and relevant qualifications in the field of sports (if applicable)
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Passport bio-date page
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute (if applicable)
- Recent passport size photo
- Recent Police Clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: 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
- Reference letter(s) from current/former employer(s) stating the number of years that you have been involved in the media and your job description
- Passport bio data page
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- Birth Certificate/Deed Poll
- Recent passport size photo
- Certificates pertaining to media work (where applicable)
- Recent Police Clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: Applicant must be a member of the Guyana Press Association
Note: 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
- Passport bio-data page
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute (if applicable)
- Nursing Certificate
- Nurse Registration Card
- Recent passport size picture
- Recent police clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
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
Note: 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
- Passport bio data page
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute (if applicable)
- Permanent Trained Teacher’s Certificate
- Recent passport size picture
- Recent police clearance
- Receipt (G$1500.00)
Note: 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
- The bio-data page in your passport
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute (if applicable)
- Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Certificate
- One recent passport size photograph
- Recent police clearance
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: The process takes three (3) to six (6) weeks. (This could be lengthened based on the verification process)
…………………………………………………………………………
DOMESTIC WORKER
The following documents will be needed to process the CSME certificate
- Passport bio-data
- Birth certificate/Deed Poll
- Marriage certificate and/or Divorce Absolute(if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Recent police clearance
- Two (2) letters of practical experience from previous employers, if different within the past year or one (1) letter from previous employer (if the applicant was employed for at least six (6) months with said employer)
- One (1) character reference from a Minister of religion or a justice of peace.
- Receipt (Fee: G$1500.00)
Note: 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:
- 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) – 225-3982
Fax: (592) -225-9192
E-mail: minfor@guyana.net.gy
January 2024