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Marriage Exemption

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RickBlaine
  9/12/2016 08:38 EST

I started writing about the adventure last weekend & Monday in Kingston to obtain my Marriage Exemption at the Ministry of Labour. As it turned out the fee has increased to J$15,000 instead of the J$14,400 we prepaid at NCB!! They also now require the original & a certified copy of any previous divorce documents. They let us slide with just a copy however had to go to NCB and pay the additional J$600!!!

The Ministry of Labour said I had to go to PICA TODAY!!! So; we drove over to PICA and that was a BIG FRIGGIN' MISTAKE!! After almost 2 hours the agent wanted my wife present, she was outside trying to find a place to park and my cell phone was in the car. She attempted to join me but they wouldn't let her past security!!!

When I asked the PICA agent if I could do this in Mobay he said of course you can. So that is what we did the very next day... PICA in Mobay and it was PAINLESS!!

We had to go back on Wednesday for a marriage interview. That went flawlessly!!

PICA no has my passport & paperwork and I should be receiving my passport back with a Multi-Entry Stamp.

Next is to apply for residency... and more trips to Kingston (I'll need some good drugs to deal with it!!)

gina13089
  9/25/2016 18:42 EST

Hi, how long does the marriage exemption last? And exactly what is it? I am supposed to be moving with my husband in 2018 and I can't find any information on exactly what the marriage exemption is! Thanks!

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RickBlaine
  9/28/2016 11:01 EST

Hi Gina, my apologies I just saw your reply & questions.

The Marriage Exemption is really a Work Permit Exemption which means as a spouse you are not required to obtain a work permit. It is good for 3 years.

The Marriage Exemption is one of the items required for an Extension of Stay, Residency, etc.

More information is available on the PICA web site, http://www.pica.gov.jm and the Ministry of Labour site http://www.mlss.gov.jm/pub/index.php?artid=37

I presume your husband is a Jamaican National, correct?

CanadianinJamaica
  8/11/2017 14:48 EST

Hi Rick
I'm hoping you can help me as you have been through this tedious process already! I'm a Canadian married to a Jamaican and now living in Jamaica with my husband. I believe I now have everything I need, however I have a question about the affidavit required stating we share a matrimonial home. I was a legal assistant back in Canada and generally affidavits are sworn by only one person, however the requirement by the ministry of Labour says they want an affidavit signed by BOTH of us stating we share a matrimonial home. Even our JP thought this was odd. We did an affidavit signed by both of us and the Jp swore it for us, but before we make the trip to Kingston I would like to be sure that ONE affidavit will be okay, can you please let me know whether you and your wife swore separate affidavits or if you did it on one? Thanks very much

RickBlaine
  8/11/2017 16:22 EST

That is correct, only a single document signed by a JP is all we used.

Bigstep
  9/7/2017 22:20 EST

For males - 3 years
For females - the duration of the marriage.

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