CSME

(This note is adapted from Single Market and Economy Free Movement - Travel and Work, 3rd Edition published by CARICOM and is no way affiliated with the organisation nor represents the views and opinions of the organisation. )

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What is CSME?

• CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) aims to allow the free movement of goods, services, people, capital, and technology among CARICOM Member States.
• Established under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
• Bahamas does not participate in CSME.

Who is a CARICOM National?

• A citizen of a CARICOM Member State.
• A person who has a legal connection entitling them to belong to or reside in that state.
• A company formed under the laws of a Member State and owned by CARICOM nationals.

Two Main Areas of Free Movement

• Facilitation of Travel
• Movement for Economic Activity

1. Facilitation of Travel

• Measures to make travel hassle-free:
• • Abolition of visas between CARICOM states.
  • CARICOM Passport – uniform design, issued by most Member States.
  • Common ED (Embarkation/Disembarkation) Form.
  • CARICOM Immigration Line.
  • Right of Entry: 6-month stay for CARICOM nationals when visiting another Member State.
• Restrictions possible for:
• • National security, public safety, public morals, or health.
  • Preventing someone from becoming a financial burden.
• Complaint Procedure: CARICOM nationals can file complaints through CSME Focal Points.

2. Movement for Economic Activity

Includes:

• Free Movement of Skilled Nationals.
• Right of Establishment.
• Provision of Services.

Free Movement of Skilled Nationals

• No work permit needed for approved categories.
• 10 Approved Categories:
• • University Graduates.
  • Artistes.
  • Musicians.
  • Sportspersons.
  • Media Workers.
  • Nurses.
  • Teachers.
  • Artisans with CVQ (Caribbean Vocational Qualification).
  • Holders of Associate Degrees (or equivalent).
  • Household Domestics with CVQ or equivalent.
• Must obtain a CARICOM Skills Certificate from the Competent Authority.
• Benefits of Skills Certificate:
• • Right to work without discrimination.
  • Freedom to move and live in host state.
  • Spouses and dependents can join and work.

Right of Establishment

• Allows CARICOM nationals to:
• • Set up a business in another Member State.
  • Engage in commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activities.
• Managerial, supervisory, and technical staff of businesses can move, but rights are tied to the business.
• Indefinite Stay granted after business is established.
• No restrictions on:
• • Business property use.
  • Bringing in skilled personnel.
  • Spouses and dependents moving and working.

Provision of Services

• CARICOM nationals can offer services temporarily in another Member State.
• Registration as a Service Provider needed in home state before moving.
• Must present:
• • Certificate of Registration.
  • Valid Passport.
  • Service contract or invitation letter.
• Initial stay: Minimum 6 months (extensions allowed).

Other Key Rights

• Spouses and Dependents: Can move, live, and work without work permit.
• Social Security:
• • Contributions made in one state count toward benefits in another (CARICOM Social Security Agreement).
• Taxes:
• • Intra-CARICOM Double Taxation Agreement prevents being taxed twice on the same income.

Important Limitations

• Rights are not absolute.
• Entry can be denied or revoked for:
• • National security, public order, morals, health, or safety (Articles 225 & 226).

Free Movement does NOT give automatic citizenship or permanent residency.