Name of the Organization : Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Type of Facility : CARICOM Skills Certificate of Recognition
Country : Trinidad & Tobago
Website : http://www.foreign.gov.tt/csme/
CARICOM Skills Certificate of Recognition :
In order to encourage the free movement of CARICOM nationals, a ‘The Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Skills Qualification’ may be obtained from the relevant authority in a jurisdiction that is a part of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
Related : Immigration Division Ministry of National Security Machine Readable Passport Trinidad & Tobago : www.statusin.org/7669.html
Who can apply for the CARICOM Skills Certificate of Recognition?:
Under the free movement clause of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), skilled persons are entitled to move and work freely throughout the region.
These include university graduates, media practitioners, artistes, musicians and sportspersons. Persons who are applying for their Skills Certificates must provide a Police Certificate of Character from all the countries in which they have lived for more than three months.
Where can I apply for the Certificate of Recognition?:
The CARICOM Skills Certificate can be obtained from the designated Ministry in the home country.
** 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 documentation is required when applying?:
Download the Application Form with Details attached. Please follow and provide the necessary information where applicable. Updated October 16th, 2012.
How long is the application process?:
The Committee that reviews the application meets once per month. If the application is approved, the Certificate is issued. It takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks for the application to be processed.
How long will the Certificate be valid?:
The Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification should facilitate entry into another Member State. You will be granted entry for six months if you enter a Member State with a Certificate issued by your home country or a Member State other than the receiving country.
During this period your qualifications will be reviewed by the receiving country and once that Member State is satisfied that you have met the qualifications, you will be granted indefinite entry.
Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) – https://www.actt.org.tt/
Are there any fees?:
There are no fees for the application or issue of the Certificate.
For more information or assistance, please contact:
** Ministry of Foreign Affairs
** E-mail contact for the CSME Unit for further queries – caricom AT foreign.gov.tt
Benefits For Holder Of The Skills Certificate :
The benefits of being issued with a Skills Certificate from the host country include but are not limited to the following :
** There is no restriction on freedom of movement, including the freedom to leave and re-enter his or her host country
** There is a wider pool of opportunities available for employment
** There is freedom to buy or rent property for residential or commercial use (this may not apply to all Member States since some Member States would require a special licence/permit)
** Spouses and immediate dependent family members are allowed to move with the holder of the Skills Certificate
** There is no need to obtain a Work Permit
Replacement of CSME Skill Certificate :
The holder of a Skills Certificate issued in Trinidad and Tobago who wishes to apply for a replacement because there has been a change in his/her name, marital status or passport number, should submit the following documents to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs :
** completed application form
** valid passport
** original and copy of Skills Certificate issued by Trinidad and Tobago
** original and copy of document which identifies change(s) e.g. marriage certificate, passport, deed poll
** two (2) identical passport sized photos
Lost/Stolen Skills Certificates :
** A CARICOM national (including nationals of Trinidad and Tobago) whose Skills Certificate was lost or stolen must report the lost/stolen Skills Certificate to the Police in the country where the certificate was lost or stolen.
He/she must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs to apply for a replacement Certificate :
** The original and copy of the Police Report stating that the Skills Certificate was lost or stolen (the original will be returned to the applicant)
** An affidavit swearing that the Skills Certificate was lost or stolen, approximately where and when it was lost or stolen and that it was not sold or transferred to anyone
** Passport (original and copy)
** Two (2) passport sized photos
** Completed application form
** Copy of previously issued Skills Certificate