PICA mulling six new visitor’s visa categories
Published:Thursday | May 16, 2024 | 12:09 AM
The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) is exploring proposals to introduce six new categories of visas for persons visiting Jamaica.
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang on Tuesday tabled a Green Paper on the National Visa Policy, which is now available to the public for consideration and discussion.
Green Papers, which are consultation documents issued by the Government, provide an opportunity for lawmakers and members of the public to give feedback on the administration’s proposed policy and legislative plans.
According to the document, the improved visas will feature visible, covert, and forensic security features to prevent counterfeiting or tampering.
The Tourism or Business Visa is the first of the six categories that is intended for foreign nationals visiting Jamaica for leisure, business, or visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or select business-related activities.
It also caters to investors with strong intention to invest in Jamaica, allowing multiple trips throughout the project for both leisure and business purposes without requiring separate visas.
Employment, Student Visa
Another category listed in the Green Paper is the Employment Visa. This is geared at foreign nationals who have obtained approval for work authorisation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and require visas. It is proposed that these visas will be issued to facilitate the holder’s entry for temporary, contractual, or permanent employment, internships, and voluntary or missionary assignments.
Student and Exchange visas will facilitate entry to individuals accepted for enrolment in full-time or part-time programmes. This includes those conducting research at registered institutions and participants in bilateral exchange programmes under cooperation agreements.
The Diplomats and Official Visa category will be issued to holders of diplomatic and official, special and service passports, as well as persons on official assignments at international organisations.
The other two categories include the Digital Nomad Visa, which will facilitate foreign nationals seeking to reside and work from Jamaica, and the Dependent Visa.