Jamaica calls for UK special visa for Caribbean service professionals

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, is urging the United Kingdom to explore a special visa scheme aimed at easing the movement of Jamaican and Caribbean service professionals within the UK.

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Senator Hill proposed that such an initiative be structured under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which governs trade and investment relations between Jamaica and the UK. Unlike traditional trade agreements, the EPA also covers areas such as competition policy, intellectual property rights, regional integration, and cultural cooperation.

“To fully realise the opportunities presented under the EPA, improved arrangements are needed to facilitate the movement of Jamaican and CARIFORUM service professionals within the UK,” Senator Hill stated.

Highlighting the importance of services to Jamaica’s economy, Senator Hill noted that while the Government is committed to advancing manufacturing, exports, and the productive capacity of the private sector, services remain the largest contributor to the island’s GDP.

The Minister emphasised that a special visa arrangement would be particularly advantageous for creative industry professionals—including musicians, models, theatre practitioners, and entertainers—seeking to work in the UK. He underscored Jamaica’s commitment to continued dialogue on the issue, stressing that sustained engagement is critical to the effective implementation of the EPA.

Senator Hill also signalled that Jamaica is preparing to welcome British nationals who wish to work remotely from the island, with the Government reviewing tax arrangements to support this initiative. “We want Jamaica to be an even more attractive destination for individuals seeking to live and work while contributing to major international companies,” he added.

The remarks were made during a welcome reception for the visiting United Kingdom Trade Mission at the British High Commission in Kingston on Wednesday (October 8). Running from October 8 to 10, the mission aims to deepen commercial ties, foster trade growth, and strengthen connections between UK exporters and Jamaican industries.

Nationals from several Caribbean countries are currently required to obtain a visa to visit the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominica. Previously, these nations were part of the UK’s visa-exempt list, allowing their nationals to travel without a visa for short stays. However, due to a significant increase in asylum applications from these countries, the UK Home Office implemented visa requirements.

UK participants include companies in waste management and incineration solutions (Inciner8), international education (NCUK), construction and infrastructure development (Mowlem Group), agricultural exports (NSG Exports Limited), and supply chain and logistics services (JP Logistics Solutions).