KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has enlisted the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) as an accountability partner in the government’s ongoing effort to improve the country’s work permit system.

Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, Charles Jr said the partnership is part of the ministry’s push to simplify and digitise the application process under Operation Streamline —an initiative launched in February to enhance customer service, increase oversight, and integrate more effectively with the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

“In advancing the successful digital transformation of our Work Permit Unit, we invited the PSOJ to be our accountability partner and provide a microscopic examination of Operation Streamline’s processes and present strategic feedback on how we can enhance and improve our systems for our stakeholders,” the minister said. “The goal of this exercise is to ensure simplicity in process communication of work permit procedures thereby making it more efficient.”

President of the PSOJ, Metry Seaga, welcomed the collaboration.

“The PSOJ embraces this invitation to serve as an accountability partner for the MLSS. As advocates for the Jamaican private sector, we are committed to providing rigorous oversight and constructive feedback on the work permit process, ensuring the initiative meets its goals of efficiency and transparency, and ultimately fosters a more competitive business environment,” he said.

Thursday’s meeting also explored strategies to further streamline the application process, reduce processing times, and enhance the ministry’s digital platforms. Long-term goals include greater use of artificial intelligence in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and labour market innovation.

Charles Jr highlighted the need for practical and inclusive reforms that reflect the needs of the private sector. He said an internal review of the Work Permit Unit revealed gaps in efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness. In response, the ministry has set up a Work Permit Oversight Committee tasked with evaluating the current framework and recommending improvements.

The ministry is now focusing on several key areas, including increased staffing, addressing outstanding applications, conducting customer satisfaction surveys, and expanding stakeholder engagement. Clearer communication with clients and enhanced training for staff are also on the agenda.

Applicants with work permit submissions pending for more than eight weeks are being asked to contact workpermit@mlss.gov.jm with the subject line “Operation Streamline” to receive priority assistance.

The meeting was held at the PSOJ’s Hope Road headquarters and included senior officials from both organisations.