Work Permits For Montserrat

Every person who is not a national of Montserrat must have a work, permit before taking up employment in the country. Normally, a work permit will be issued for a specific period to a nonnational to fill a particular post and only when qualified nationals are unavailable. New enterprises should include in their applications for concessions the rights to a certain number of work permits. In other cases posts must be advertised in the local newspaper and radio station prior to the submission of an application for a work permit. Advertisements should reflect faithfully the duties to be performed and the minimum qualifications and experience required. This requirement is to ensure that suitable nationals are given an opportunity to fill the vacancy.

A prospective employer is required to submit the application for a work permit to the Labor Department for processing. Before processing applications for work permits to non- nationals, the Labor Department takes into account the number of nationals and non-nationals employed in the Company at the time of application. The employers compliance with Income Tax and Social Security regulations are also taken into consideration.

Work permits are approved by Executive Council.

Special arrangements or concessions

There are no special arrangements or concessions for foreign personnel apart from the accepted privileges extended to members of the diplomatic corps and certain United Nations organization.

Restriction on employment

Before granting work permits to nonnationals the Immigration authorities consider the number of nonnational employees in the employ of the company at the time of application.