Work permit

Work permit is a generic term for a legal authorization which allows a person to take employment. It is most often used in reference to instances where a person is given permission to work in a country where one does not hold citizenship, but is also used in reference to minors, who in some jurisdictions require a permit in order to work.

National work permits

Generally, work permits are allocated by a national government to foreign workers, and require a job offer prior to immigration. As the economic and political considerations vary, there is frequently a different process for skilled workers than for unskilled workers, and many countries waive the job offer requirement for highly skilled immigrants.

There are many ways that governments prevent their nationals from being displaced from the work force, but the two most significant ones are:

• Have a "Citizens First" requirement, and show that they have advertised the position, and that there are no qualified local applicants before hiring someone from another country. (European Union, United States, Canada)
• Maintain a quota of nationals within the company (Qatar, Singapore)
• Skills-based requirements (based on salary, education, experience, etc)

European countries may also have political or economic targets in controlling the number of work permits given out. For example, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium have relatively strict criteria. Italy and Spain, on the other hand, may show more flexibility in certain areas deemed important for the local economy. These work permits often go by different names, although they may carry work permission, as a work permit does.

Work Permits in the European Union

Overview

Currently, every EU country has a different process for granting work permits to nationals of non-EU countries. To address this issue, the European Commission began work in 1999 on developing an EU-wide process for the entry of non-EU nationals into the work force. In October 2007, they adopted a proposal to introduce a work permit similar to the United States' "Green Card" program, called the "Blue Card." It is similar to the UK's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, with the exception that it will require an employment contract in place prior to migration. After two years in the first country, the migrant will be allowed to move and work in another EU country, and can sum the number of years spent in the EU for purposes of residency. This new card will abolish work permits across the EU and centralize the issuing from Brussels.

Work Permits in the United Kingdom

There are six standard ways to apply for a work permit in the United Kingdom. The Business and Commercial Arrangements, the Training and Work Experience Arrangements, the Sportspeople and Entertainers Arrangements, Student Internships, GATS, and the Sectors Based Scheme. Each of these involves its own application process, and generally requires a job offer from a UK employer. The UK has stopped accepting work permits in many other categories.

There is also a scheme for nationals of select countries to work in the UK as Au Pairs.. This scheme is only for nationals of European Economic Area countries don't need a permit to au pair in the UK.

One new way to get a work permit in the United Kingdom is through the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. Unlike most work permit systems, the HSMP does not require the applicant to have received a job offer before applying. It's a points-based application, where the applicant receives a score in four areas: Qualifications, Past Earnings, Age Assessment, and UK Experience. If the applicant meets the cutoff score, then s/he's eligible to work in the UK. No evidence is needed, just send in an application.

Work Permits in Singapore

In Singapore, the work permit process is managed by the Ministry of Manpower. There are several kinds of work permit, and the type awarded generally depends on the salary range of the job. The "R Pass," or "Work Permit," is for foreigners who make less than $1,800/month. To employ a work permit holder, the employers are subjected to work permit conditions and the employment of foreign manpower act.

In ensuring an efficent process, the Ministry of Manpower has introduced an internet platform for work permit transactions. With the internet portal, the Ministry is able to process the work permit applications within one working day.

The "S Pass" is for foreigners who make more than $1,800/month. To be eligible, the applicant must achieve a minimum score on a points-based application. It takes into account salary, skills (including education), work experience, and the type of job being applied for.

The Q Pass is for foreigners making $2,500 or more per month, with recognized qualifications or work experience. The P1 Pass is for foreigners making $3,500 to $7,000 per month, and foreigners making more than $7,000 per month are eligible for the P2 Pass.

Employment permits for minors

In states of the US, a work permit must be obtained by a teenager wishing to procure employment. Similar to national work permits, the idea is that someone has a limited right to work.

In some states, for example New Jersey, permits are only required for minors 14 and 15 years old, while others such as Massachusetts require (at least in theory) work permits for all minors up until they turn 18 years of age. In states that require permits for 16 and 17 year olds, enforcement is not always strict, although sometimes it is. Permits are usually issued through the school system the minor attends, and typically at a minimum, enrollment in high school with regular attendance (no chronic absenteeism, tardiness, or truancy) is required as a condition for obtaining the permit. Some states such as New York and Indiana require high school students with part time jobs to maintain a certain grade point average. Minors who are working are usually restricted in the number of hours each day or week they are permitted to work as well as the types of jobs they may hold.

External links

• Indiana Teenworker Requirements
• Massachusetts Child Labor Laws
• United Nations' Lowell Report on Highly Skilled Mobility