I have this:
WORK PERMITS

Application forms for work permits are available at any Labour Department office free of cost and/or at the Angelus Press Limited for a small fee.

There are two types of forms - one for self employment, the other for hiring a foreign worker.

The application process takes approximately three (3) weeks. Although the Ministry of Labour processes and approves the issuing of work permits, the permit is issued by the Immigration Department - the fee can range anywhere from $100.00 to $600.00 depending on the level of skill. Two recent passport size pictures endorsed by the applicant must accompany the application.

In the case of an investor he must present his passport, have three passport size pictures, substantive proof of his ability to sustain himself without infringing on the country's limited economic resources. Bank statements or other proof of financial independence are also required.

The 'life' of a work permit ranges from three months to one year and is subject to renewal.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONTACT
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT
PHONE: (501) 8-22323, (02) 44907.

not sure if this is any help, i'll dig some more....


Here's a little more...
this is from late 1997, San Pedro Sun...

Many visitors to San Pedro, and residents, decide they want to get a job and stay on La Isla Bonita. To get a job a non-Belizean must have a work permit.This article was written with the purpose of assisting those who may want to apply for a temporary work permit. (All work permits are temporary).
Non-Belizeans must be in possession of a temporary work permit before accepting employment. The visitor's visa, issued by the Immigration Department to arriving visitors, clearly states "Permitted to land on condition that the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid, does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the principal immigration officer and does not remain in Belize longer than ___ days (usually thirty days)."

The first step in obtaining a permit is to purchase the appropriate form from the Angelus Press (located on Queen Street in Belize City). The Labour Department does not supply the form, nor is it available in their offices. After obtaining and completing the form the applicant will need:

a. Three passport size photographs with your signature on the reverse side.
b. A letter from the Mayor of San Pedro regarding the nature of the employment request.
c. A letter from the Belize Tourist Board regarding the nature of the employment request.
d. If requesting self-employment, you must attend an interview at the Labour Department. Interviews are conducted on any Wednesday the office is open.
e. If an employer is seeking a permit for you, the employer or an authorized representative (who must have a letter) must attend an interview along f. A bank statement or other document demonstrating proof of your ability to sustain yourself without becoming a strain on the country's public services and resources. (If self-employment).
g. Proof of continuous residence in Belize for at least six months.
Do not mail the application and supporting documents. Applications are only received when presented personally by the applicant. In addition to the above required items, at the discretion of the Labour Department, further information and documentation of information provided may be requested.
Persons applying for temporary work permits should also be advised that the issuance of a work permit is at the discretion of the Labour Commissioner and is not guaranteed. Three consecutive weeks of advertising (in a newspaper or on TV or radio) that the position is open may be required. If a qualified Belizean wishes to fill the position, a work permit might not be given to a non-Belizean. The Labour Commissioner also will not accept ads from "regional" newspapers such as The San Pedro Sun, although TV ads in Belize City are acceptable.

After all necessary documents are received, applicants can expect to hear from the Labour Department after approximately four weeks.




[This message has been edited by Marty (edited 09-21-2000).]

I almost forgot about Consolidated Water. A few years ago I owned a little stock in the company you work for which turned into a fairly profitable investment. I have not been a stockholder for some time but after your post here I did a little research on "CWCO" and found Consolidated to be a very sound but very small company which pays a dividend aroud 4% and with a price of $7.00 as of the close today.
What do you think of the company you work for as an Investment ?
How long have you worked for "CWCO" ? Thanks for the information.
Robert

The work permits have gone up recently.
I paid $1500 BZ for mine.
There are 2 types...professional and no-professional.
Non-professional...is considered as laborers, etc.
Most are considered professional.

Kind of ridiculous if you ask me!

Good morning, well Stocktrader,I've worked for Consolidated (used to be Cayman ) Water for 5 years now and the past three I've been working on overseas projects. We have a project pending in Bimini Bahamas and we really are looking at a lot of growth on Ambergris..sort of "if we build it they will come"..we saw it on Cayman, you extend the pipe and new developments spring up. As for the share price, I have totaly faith it will increase in the near future as there is so much going on and we've had a lot of growth here in Cayman.

Sandshaker, as I've said we've talked about extending the water supply to your end of the island. So what is the time frame for your development? How many unit and when etc? Are there any other developed areas near you? Obviously the more customers we can serve would make it more cost effective..there are many options. I haven't looked at it cost wise yet, extending the pipe (we'd have to cross under the cut) or placing another plant on that side...If you are seriously interested I could arrange a meeting, our CEO will be there next week..he's coming over with the new plant manager..maybe I could swing a trip too:-)

Chloe, why would we need an attorney? Are they a lot of existing problems with the water company? Remember, we just supply water into the Governemtn tank and they do the rest...How is the water quality? Are people happy with the supply? I'd love to get a feel for what people think of the water...

Work permit rules changed in 1999, including the fees. So some of the information posted from pre-1999 is now out of date.

--Lan Sluder

Lan Sluder, could you give me the up to date info or tell me where to find it? So is the process fairly routine or are there tons of delays and to they denie a lot of permit? Do you have to advertise for a local first to make sure that there aren't any qualified people before you apply for a permit?
Any info would be usefull thanks

I think Chloe's recommendation for getting an attorney may have been to help you with work permits. Actually, you can handle this process yourself. There are restrictions on work permits to prevent outsiders from competing with Belizeans for jobs here, so you'll need to demonstrate that you can't find Belizeans with the necessary expertise. This usually involves running help wanted ads in the local papers and documenting the results of your search. If you wish more detailed information, go to my website, then email me.
The water quality seems good although most people drink bottled water for the taste.
There are some pretty large problems with running water lines up north as far as Sandshaker's project. The only right-of-way is through swamp and virtually inaccessable. The 2 new hotels planned up that way will most certainly have their own infrastructure as part of their development. www.InvestInBelize.com

Belizewater, thanks for your answer to my question on your post 9-22-2000. I have been out of town and away from my lap top for a few days and this is the first chance to check your post. I hope you make it to AC even if is at least to visit. The little town of San Pedro is addictive with its atmosphere and friendly people.
robert

I will definitely make it down there Stocktrader, either for work or otherwise...My sister and husband have just relocated to Belize, currently checking out Caye Caulker..they have a web-based business so can work from anywhere so I just have to come and visit:-)

If you know anyone looking for work in the Cayman Islands you can send them my sister's site...http://www.caymanjobs.com ;-)

I try to plug them as much as possible:-)