The Editor, Sir:

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has recently implemented several measures to modernise the work permit unit in order to improve the quality of our service. These steps include strengthening the capacity of the investigative unit, recruiting new staff, reorganizing systems and procedures and providing staff with additional training.

The Haitian workers referred to in The Gleaner report of November 10 possess legitimate work permit exemptions issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. These Haitians have been recognised as refugees in accordance with the provisions of the 1951 Geneva Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.

The Convention states that "Contracting States shall accord to refugees lawfully staying in their territory the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances, as regards the right to engage in wage-earning employment."

Haitian nationals are not covered by the provisions of the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act 1997. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security cannot issue work permit exemptions to refugees without approval from the Immigration Department of the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the bodies responsible for granting refugee status.

I am, etc.,

ALVIN McINTOSH

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Labour and

Social Security