Job Registry To Be Established In July

Government is set to launch a national jobs registry within the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector next month to accurately capture the skills and qualifications of Barbadians.

In making the announcement, during a post-Cabinet press conference at Ilaro Court, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan explained that the registry would be administered by the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service.  It is expected to bring more transparency to the work permit application process.

He also said that it would assist the Ministry and by extension the Immigration Department, to verify the availability of local talent before approving applications for foreign workers.

“The intention is to ensure that… Barbadians, those who are resident in Barbados, are able to submit their skills and their qualifications. It will be recorded in the registry and we will know the skills that exist in the country, . . . who fit the requirement or that there are none,” Mr. Jordan pointed out.

Earlier in the press conference, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams, addressed the issue of newspaper advertisements for foreign work permits.

The Minister insisted that when an application was made, there was no guarantee that the permit would be granted.

“Any person who wants to apply to grant somebody a work permit is free to do so. However, your application does not mean you will be successful. The job has to be advertised, applicants interviewed, a report completed and only then is a decision made by the Immigration Department.” 

Abrahams stressed. He encouraged members of the public to continue monitoring such advertisements and report any concerns of possible abuse to the Immigration Department. (PR/GIS)