Q: If my spouse is non-Jamaican will he or she be allowed to live in Jamaica?
A:
Non-Jamaican spouses are granted the same concessions as their Jamaican partner and are entitled to live and work in Jamaica with the required immigration and work permit exemption. (Both parties must have resided overseas for at least three (3) consecutive years).
Jamaican law requires all non-Jamaicans who do not enjoy diplomatic status to have a work permit as long as they are engaged in gainful employment in the island whether or not the form of gainful employment is voluntary, commercial, business, professional, charitable, entertainment, or sport related. A non-Jamaican national who engages in any form of gainful employment without a work permit exemption or while application is pending, may be prosecuted.
Exemption from Work Permits: Spouses of Jamaican nationals may be exempt from Work Permits upon submission of an application.
The documents required are:
- Marriage Certificate; in cases where a previous marriage occurred, a Decree Absolute should be presented.
- Proof of Jamaican citizenship enjoyed by spouse, however it was acquired;
- Passport of each spouse and passport-size photograph of each;
- Declaration by both spouses that they share the same matrimonial home.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security must be informed of change of residence from one parish to another by all foreigners employed in Jamaica. (www.mlss.gov.jm)