The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is an agreement among 14 CARICOM Member States aimed at establishing a unified economic space. This is achieved by eliminating restrictions to enable the free movement of goods, services, people, capital, and the Right of Establishment.
How Can CARICOM Nationals in Approved Categories Move to Work in Another Member State?
CARICOM nationals who qualify under any of the approved categories and wish to work in another CSME Member State must apply for and obtain a Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Skills Qualification (Skills Certificate). Possession of this certificate grants the holder an indefinite stay, subject to the immigration requirements of the host country.
A Trinidad and Tobago national who has been issued a Skills Certificate from Trinidad and Tobago must have their qualifications verified by the relevant Competent Authority in the Member State where they intend to work.
Before relocating, individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research. This should cover immigration procedures, required documentation for the Skills Certificate, identifying the Competent Authority in the host country, and understanding applicable national laws.
For a list of Competent Authorities, click here.
Free Movement of Skills/Labour
Under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, CARICOM nationals have the right to seek and engage in employment within any participating CSME Member State without the need for a work permit.
Important Considerations:
- The Free Movement of Skills does not grant Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
Free movement rights do not extend to permanent residency, naturalization, or citizenship. Individuals wishing to relocate permanently must apply for residency or citizenship according to the laws of the host country. - Eligibility for Free Movement:
Only individuals engaged in a legitimate economic activity and falling under one of the approved categories qualify for free movement under CSME.
Which CSME Member States Participate in Free Movement?
Participating CSME Member States are those that have adopted the CSME framework and ratified the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. These include:
✅ Antigua and Barbuda
✅ Barbados
✅ Belize
✅ Dominica
✅ Grenada
✅ Guyana
✅ Jamaica
✅ St. Kitts and Nevis
✅ Saint Lucia
✅ St. Vincent and the Grenadines
✅ Suriname
✅ Trinidad and Tobago
What Categories Have Been Approved by Trinidad and Tobago for Free Movement?
Under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, CARICOM nationals in the following categories are eligible to work freely within participating CSME Member States:
- University Graduates
- Artistes
- Musicians
- Media Workers
- Sportspersons
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Artisans
- Holders of Associate Degrees
- Domestic Workers
- Agricultural Workers
- Private Security Officers
If a CARICOM national does not fall under any of these categories, they must apply for a Work Permit from the destination country. In Trinidad and Tobago, Work Permit applications are processed by the Ministry of National Security.
