Accessibility Tools

GoCD Logo

FAQs

FAQs

Labour Division

There is no specific time line established. The processing timeframe is dependent on completeness of the application submitted and the internal process employed.

A visa may be required depending on the country of origin, however we wish to refer you to Ministry of National Security. The Visa Section can be contacted at telephone 1 767 266 3212/4640

You do need Work Permits to apply for a CARICOM National Skills Certificate Number. It is based on qualification and skills according to the Checklist.

Yes, as long you are a National of a CARICOM Member State and you meet the requirements on the Checklist

No, the Law does not provide. Alternatively, your child who is a dependent may be considered for a Student Visa from the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, if he/she qualifies to apply to the Ministry of Labour for Temporary Residence Permit.

No, the Law does not provide for second generation Citizenship

You will need to apply for and pay the requisite fee for Re-issuance of a Certificate of Naturalization.

Yes, as per Policy all Academic Certificates must be certified

The Labour Division no longer offers these services. You are advised to research on the Cruise Ship’s website

Missing Answer

One may tender application at the Labour Division

No, payment for services processed are made at the Treasury Department. There is also the option to apply online and pay for the service that you require at eservices.gov.dm

Saturday is a regular working day and is paid at regular rate. However, if work is undertaken beyond the regular working hours, an employee will be paid at the rate of time and a half.

Yes, you may if this will facilitate your travel.

This may be possible only on condition of a guarantee of approval by the competent Authority.

This is possible although it may attract a processing fee.

A Work Permit is valid for one year but if you have missed previous years of processing and payment, you may receive a multiple year Work Permit

If you were born in Dominica, attested by a certified Birth Certificate held in your name, you are automatically a Citizen and can apply for your passport through the Immigration Department.

Persons born to native Dominican father prior to November 3, 1978 may apply for Citizenship by Descent. Persons born after November 3, 1978 to Dominican parents are considered citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica by Descent. However, it is recommended that these persons also apply for registration as a Citizen by Descent.

Current legislation does not provide for obtaining the CARICOM National Skills Certificate as a naturalized citizen.

You would need at least five Work Permits regardless of Nationality, however the grant of Permanent Residence is at the discretion of the Government.

You cannot get a Birth Paper/Certificate unless you born here.

Missing Answer

The process is provided for you to obtain citizenship by marriage to a Dominican born spouse, however, you would need to have resided in Dominica for a minimum of 3 years, having been granted three (3) Work or Residence Permits during your stay.

Applicant needs to submit a Letter addressed to the Honourable Minister for Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development requesting renunciation of citizenship. Additional the applicant must surrender their Commonwealth of Dominican Passport and Certificate of Registration of Commonwealth of Dominican Citizenship along with other requested documents as stated on the Checklist.

Applicant needs to submit a Letter addressed to the Honourable Minister for Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development requesting Resumption of Citizenship, including the reason for the Renunciation. The Applicant must also submit the Certificate of Renunciation and other requested documents as stated on the Checklist.

When he/she travels out of Dominica to reside and work in another CARICOM Member State, he/she must present the CARICOM National Skills Certificate for verification in that member state. For example Barbados verifies at the Barbados Accreditation Board; in some countries it is verified at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

It is a requirement that the applicant be on island for processing. The Ministry may require due diligence background check on the applicant in person. However, in exceptional circumstances processing of Work Permits could be considered.

Yes, this is possible once a copy of the original is kept on file.

Yes, you may retrieve the documents you submitted. Please note that processing fee is non-refundable.

The Law does not make provision for third generation Citizenship by Descent

No, Medical Certificates are required for First Time applicants only.

The Note of Clearance is a part of the established internal process for in-person submissions which has not been changed at this time.

You will receive a Work Permit indicating that it is valid for five (5) years, after you have paid the necessary processing fees for the additional four years.

The Law does not provide for waiver of the applicable fee for Work Permit for a Missionary.

Gratis means the waiver of applicable fees for the processing of documents. This is done at the discretion of the competent authority, for example the Minister.

It is a requirement that all first time self-employed Applicants must submit a Statement of Particulars along with Certificate of Registration of Business or present proof that these documents are being processed at the Companies and Intellectual Property Office.

Yes. A relative can do so on behalf of the Applicant.

Labour Officers

Provided for in the Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order 2021

Provided for in the Protection of Employment Act Chapter. 89:02 (Section 11)

Provided for in the Labour Standards Act Chapter 89:05 Sections 13 – 16

It is the choice of the complainant to engage an Attorney while their complaint is being handled by the Labour Division

At a conciliation meeting both the Employer and Employee together with their representative meet with the Labour Officer to discuss and find a possible resolution to the grievance of the complainant.

It varies based on the availability of the Tribunal members and the parties involved.

Yes. However, the request must be in writing and approved by the Labour Commissioner.

No.

The Laws of Dominica is available on line at www.dominica.gov.dm. Hard copies are also available for sale at the Government Printery

The rights of workers are covered mainly under the Protection of Employment Act Chapter 89:02

Your employer is responsible for payment of your salary when you are on Jury Duty. The Government of Dominica also pays an amount of $10 per day and refund of transportation cost or casual mileage while on active juror’s duty. You may refer to Jurors Act Chapter 5:70, Jurors (Allowances) Rules, Section 2 to 4.

One must be at least 25 years old; must be a Citizen of Dominica and in good health

Presently there an no other employment opportunities available from the Division of Labour, however opportunities in the hospitality sector are being explored.

Our Office is not responsible for engaging persons for Cruise Ship employment

All public holidays are considered for double pay

No

Please refer to the Protection of Employment Act Chapter 89:02 Section 19.

Please refer to the Labour Contracts Act Chapter 89:04 Section 14

Yes, an employee can travel whilst on sick leave providing that he/she has a consent letter from a medical practitioner.

Small Business Unit (SBSU)

The Unit provides multiple services to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector such as; grant financing, training, business registration documentation, fiscal incentives concession license, business advice, hand holding services, assistance in product testing and operating space certification and assistance in developing business plans.

To apply, you will need to complete an application form, which is available at the Office located on the 3rd Floor of the Government Headquarters, adjacent to the Ministry of Tourism. Be sure to include all supporting documents including Registration Certificate and Statement of Particulars, Income Tax Certificate, Business Account Number as well as Pro-forma Invoices.

The review process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your Proposal, the number of applications and the availability of resources.

Yes, it is possible; however, each application will be vetted separately and receiving one grant does not guarantee that you will receive another.

There is no fixed maximum amount for the grant as it can vary based on the applicant’s need. The grant amount is determined by factors such as the project scope, budget and the availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to state their request based on need.

A business should include an overview of your business, market analysis, organizational structure, product or service offerings, marketing strategies and financial projections. Use business plan templates available online or consider working with one of our business development officers for assistance.

Small businesses can benefit from Fiscal Incentive Concession Licenses for the importation of machinery, equipment, appliances and supplies used in their business. To apply for this incentive, please visit a Small Business Development Officer at the Unit, who will guide you through the process.

To assist you with your application, please contact the customer support team at telephone number 266-3965 or email: registrationsbsu@dominica.gov.dm. You will be directed to the appropriate officer for further assistance.

If you have questions, please contact our support team via telephone 266-3965 or send an email to registrationsbsu@dominica.gov.dm. We are here to assist with any queries you may have and ensure that we address them adequately.

The Small Business Support Unit is located on the 3rd Floor of the Government Headquarters, Kennedy Avenue, Roseau, Dominica.

Special Marriage License

  • Completed application form “Form G” obtained on-line or can be collected at the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
  • An original copy or certified copy of Birth Certificate of both applicants
  • Document stating the marital status of both parties; that is a non-marriage certificate (available at the Registry); copy of divorce decree (if divorced); or death certificate and marriage certificate (if previously married and spouse has passed)
  • One (1) Seven dollars fifty cents ($7.50) value stamps (available at the General Post Office)
  • Copy of valid pictorial identification of each applicant (eg. Drivers’ License, Social Security Card or Bio-data Page of Passport)
  • One (1) Passport size photo of each applicant

Persons who are planning on getting married here in Dominica but who do not wish to publish marriage banns in a church requires a Special Marriage License

Applications for Special Marriage License are processed within two to three working days following submission of relevant documents

  • A fee of EC$300.00 is charged for Special Marriage License Application for persons who have met the two (2) days residency requirements
  • An additional fee of EC$200.00 is charged for persons who have not met the two (2) days residency requirements
  • An additional fee of EC$204.00 is charged for Processing of Special Marriage License on Weekend or Public Holiday

The Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, 3rd Floor, Government Headquarters, Roseau or online at www.eservices.gov.dm
Image
Through this website, we aim to provide information and resources to support employment, entrepreneurship and small business needs.

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up with your email address to subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest posts and news from our ministry.