Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

More Jamaicans are now applying for CARICOM skills certificates to work in other member states, said the Ministry of Labour.

A senior officer in the Work Permit Department told The Gleaner that since January, the number of Jamaicans applying for such certificates had surpassed the number of Trinidadian applicants, who, over the last six years, have topped the other member states applying for certificates to work in Jamaica.

According to the ministry, since January, 211 Jamaicans applied for CARICOM skills certificates as opposed to 33 Trinidadians. Twenty-three Guyanese and 17 Barbadians have also applied.

The ministry has attributed the increase to more Jamaicans being aware of the certificates.

"I don't know if they are taking up jobs but they seem to be equipping themselves in case an opportunity arise," a ministry spokesperson said.

Under the existing Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skills Persons) Act, 1997, work permits are not required for the following five categories of workers: university graduates, media workers, sportspersons, artistes and musicians. But persons wanting to work in these member states can apply for CARICOM skills certificates.

According to the ministry, the records show that the main movement is between Jamaica and Trinidad. Most applicants so far have been persons in the age group 31-40 years and are mostly teachers, doctors and lawyers.

753 certificates granted

Since 2000, 753 certificates have been granted to Jamaicans and foreign nationals in other member states. Of this number, 303 were to Jamaicans, 184 to Trinidadians, 104 to Guyanese, 67 to Barbadians, 19 to Vincentians, 16 to St. Lucians, among others.

Come December 31, 2008, when the CARICOM Single Market and Economy is expected to be fully implemented, there will be no need for CARICOM nationals to have permits or skills certificates to work in members states, as by then, every category of the workforce would be eligible to move freely.