WORK PERMIT IN GUYANA / GUYANA WORK VISA

Guyana Info — Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:17 am

Author: Guyana Info

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:17 am

WORK & RESIDENCE PERMITS IN GUYANA

Work Permits

Guyana's work permit policy is informal due to the small population. Because of the growing demand for skilled labor, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the agency responsible for issuing work permits, responds promptly to applications. It may waive some of the normal procedures, such as advertising in the local paper, when it is known that the desired skills are not readily available.

A work permit is good for the duration of an expatriate's contract, up to a maximum of three years.

Residence Permits

The most common residence permit is valid for one year, but permits may be obtained that are valid for up to three years. Residence permits are renewable, and the renewed permit may be valid for a maximum of three years.

Steps for Obtaining Permits

A prospective employer may offer a job to a foreign national if the job was first advertised locally and no suitable Guyanese national was available. Under such conditions, the prospective employer must apply on the employee's behalf to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a work permit. If the ministry is satisfied with the credentials of the applicant, a letter is given to the employer stating that the foreign national may be employed by the employer. The letter also sets out the requirements for a medical certificate and registration with the Inland Revenue Department.

The prospective employee must take a copy of the letter of employment to the Guyana embassy in his or her country to receive a visa to enter Guyana. Applications for visas should be made on prescribed forms at overseas missions and consulate offices.

The following documents must accompany a visa application:

* Valid passport (with at least six months remaining validity);
* One passport-size photograph;
* Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit or proof of other support while in Guyana; and
* Letter of approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs if the applicant is taking up employment or residing in Guyana.

If it is inconvenient to go to the embassy personally, a work permit may be issued shortly after arrival in Guyana by presenting a copy of the letter to the Central Immigration and Passport Office.

The period of stay is usually three months, but may be extended from time to time for a total period of three years.

Graduates of the University of the West Indies are exempt from the work permit requirement.

Any foreign national visiting Guyana for a period of three months or more must satisfy the following medical requirements:

* Stool examination for ova and parasites;
* Blood examination for evidence of active venereal disease;
* Chest X-rays; and
* HIV test.

Self Employment

If an applicant for a work permit is a self-employed person, he or she must provide evidence of a business plan and adequate funds for the investment, including working capital. Generally, the applicant is advised to incorporate a company or set up a branch if the entity is registered in the applicant's home country.

Family Members

No special privileges or obligations are given to family members of foreign nationals. Family members are given permission to stay in Guyana coinciding with the approval granted to the foreign national. If accompanying family members wish to engage in employment in Guyana, they must apply for and obtain work permits in their own right.

VISA TO GUYANA / GUYANA VISA GUIDE

Guyana Info — Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:22 am

Author: Guyana Info

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:22 am

VISA TO GUYANA

The Government of the Republic of Guyana has with effect from February 15th, 1993, abolished the visa requirement for the following countries:

North America

The United States of America and Canada

Western Europe

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria.

Commonwealth

Australia and New Zealand

Asia

Japan, The DPRK and the Republic of Korea

CARICOM

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Visa Requirements for Other Countries

1. Application for visas must be made on the prescribed forms at those overseas missions and consulate offices which are authorized to issue visas. Application forms are free of charge.

2. Applicants residing in countries or states where there are no Guyana Missions or consulate offices, are required to route their journey so as to be able to uplift a visa at a convenient point en route to Guyana.

3. Applications for visas may be also done through the mail.

Documentations

The following documents shall be presented when applying for a visa:-

(a) Completed visa application form in triplicate;

(b) Valid passport (at least six months validity);

(c) Three recent passport size photographs;

(d) Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit, or proof of other satisfactory arrangements of applicant's support while in Guyana; and

(e) If traveling to take up employment or to reside in Guyana, a letter of approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs must be presented.

Submission of Application

The completed application form, as well as evidence of travel plans, shall be submitted to the Guyana Embassy or any Guyana Consulate for consideration. If an interview is required, the applicant will be informed of the date and time.

The following are visa fees in US dollars:

Tourist $30

Business (one entry) $40

Business (Multiple C 3 months) $50

Business )Multiple C 1 year) $75

Applications received via the mail must be accompanied by a Money Order in the value of US$6.00 to cover the cost of registered return postage. PERSONAL CHECKS WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED.

NOTES:

(a) There is no assurance that a visa would be issued, and any preparation or plan made for the journey would be done at the applicant's own risk.

(b) Failure to complete the form properly as well as to provide supporting documents will delay the processing of the application.

(c) Under normal conditions, applications for visas should be submitted six weeks in advance of the proposed date of travel.

(d) the granting of a visa does not necessarily guarantee entry into Guyana. Entry will be dependent upon satisfying the usual Immigration requirements/procedures at the port of entry.

(e) A visitor who without permission breaches his/her condition of entry while in Guyana may become eligible for deportation.

(f) Employment could be paid or unpaid, and includes religious occupation.

Persons wishing to extend their visas may apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Georgetown, Guyana.

Expatriate Forums in Guyana

WORK PERMIT IN GUYANA / GUYANA WORK VISA

VISA TO GUYANA / GUYANA VISA GUIDE