The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean that attracts visitors from all over the world. Let’s understand how to get a work permit for the Bahamas.
In fact, many people dream about working in the tourist or banking sector of Bahamas as these sectors are the backbone of the country, especially the tourism sector.
Opportunities in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is majorly a tourism-based economy. Mostly, people get employed in the tourism sector in the Bahamas. The tourism sector contributes almost 80% of the GDP of Bahamas.
The international banking and financial sector is another essential work area as the country is known as a significant offshore banking destination.
Work Permit for the Bahamas
Employers usually first advertise the job locally. If they are unable to find the right person, then he can apply to the Department of Immigration for permission to recruit immigrants.
You need to apply for a work permit before moving to the Bahamas. There are two types of work permit that one can use. These are-
- Short term work permit
- Long term work permit
Let’s understand in a bit of detail.
Short Term Work Permit
Immigrants must apply for a short term work permit if they wish to work in the Bahamas for up to 90 days. The department of immigration issues the work permit.
Moreover, the process starts from filling the appropriate application form, preparing a letter of request, attaching the completed form with the message of request and other supporting documents and finally, visiting the office of the department of immigration to submit the form and pay the application fee.
The application processing fee is BS$ 200 (payable by cash, credit/debit card, bank certified cheque, or postal money order), which is non- refundable.
Supporting Documents Required
- A copy of applicant’s passport
- Two passport-sized photograph
- Letter of request that states the reason for the application, position applied for, and the time required.
- Original medical certificate
- Original police certificate
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a response from the officials of Bahamas within seven days.
Long Term Work Permit
If you are dreaming of working in the Bahamas for a period exceeding 90 days, your work permit application detours and follow a course of a long term one.
Well, the application process for a long term work permit forms two circumstances. These circumstances are as follows-
Normal Circumstances
The applications filed with an ordinary course of action comes under normal circumstances. The employer must advertise vacancies in the daily newspaper for a period of 3 days.
Special Circumstances
Under special circumstances, the Fast Track Protocol (FTP) is used to expedite the application process. The situation emerges when employers are retracing the potential job seekers to match the vacant position. The FTP helps the employer to fill the vacancies as early as possible.
Supporting Documents Required
- Duly filled First Schedule Form 1 application
- A letter of request stating the reason for the application, position applied for, and the time required.
- Original medical certificate
- Two current passport-sized photograph
- Original police certificate
- Labour certificate from the department of labour- Bahamas. The document must include notification of the vacancy.
A turn around time of 8 to 12 weeks will be required to complete the process and issue the work visa. You need to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of BS$ 200.
The Takeaway
The Bahamas is one of the favourite destinations for nature lover that gives plenty of opportunities to locals as well as outsiders for grabbing your dream work.