The Governments of Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda have formalised a partnership between both jurisdictions designed to support the islands’ hospitality sectors.
The three-year partnership will provide opportunities for Antigua and Barbudan hospitality industry staff to work in Jersey during the Island’s peak summer season. This will provide career development opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan hospitality professionals, as well as provide much-needed recruitment opportunities for Jersey companies.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2022 by the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, on behalf of Jersey, and by Minister Charles Fernandez Minister of Tourism & Investment on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.
Under the MOU, there will also be opportunities for educator and training exchanges between the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and Jersey’s Highlands College. This partnership aims to further support local careers in the hospitality sector.
The MoU is the culmination of joint work between the Government of Jersey’s Economy and External Relations Department, local partners the Jersey Hospitality Association and the Chamber of Commerce, working alongside the High Commission of Antigua and Barbuda in London, the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute.
Senator Farnham said: “Our ambition is for this to be a long-term partnership which will provide employment and professional development opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda hospitality professionals during their low season and, at the same time, offer recruitment opportunities for Jersey companies.”
Jersey’s Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel said “I would like to thank both the Government of Antigua and our other partners, the Jersey Hospitality Association and the Chamber of Commerce, the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute Barbuda for their continued enthusiastic support of the scheme. I also want to wish the successful candidates a warm welcome to Jersey and hope they have an enjoyable time on the Island whilst providing vital support to our hospitality sector”.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister, The Hon. Charles Fernandez, said: “We are excited to be signing onto this partnership that will create and support rewarding employment and training opportunities in such an important economic sector for both Antigua and Barbuda, and Jersey. We are certainly encouraging those trained in hospitality to apply. This is a platform to show-off your work and demonstrate the quality of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product.”
An online portal has been launched through which Jersey hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses will be able to advertise vacancies to Antigua and Barbuda staff.
About the PArtnership
- The Government of Jersey’s Department for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture is responsible for creating the environment for Jersey to have a sustainable, vibrant economy, and a skilled workforce for the future. The Department works closely with industry partners to support the development and diversification of Jersey’s economy, including tourism and hospitality sectors.
- The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and Investment is charged with making policy and establishing policy guidelines within the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry holds responsibility for the overall marketing and promotion of the destination, in addition to the development of the tourism product on the Island.
- Noting the shared mutual objectives in relation to the continuation of a strong tourism and hospitality sector in both Island jurisdictions, the importance of a professional, skilled workforce to support both sectors, and the need to ensure career development opportunities for the same, EDTSC and ABMTI wish to establish a collaborative hospitality partnership.
- This MOU is valid for three years from the date it comes into effect. Upon renewal, both participants confirm they will consider the progress made on the cooperative programme during the tenure of the MOU. If either participant decides not to renew this MOU, a minimum of thirty days in advance notice in writing should be provided.
- Appropriate employment conditions that meet all Jersey Employment legislation will be met and remain at the responsibility of all employers under Jersey law.
- Applicants from Antigua and Barbuda will be required to return to their home Island following the successful completion of a workplace opportunity in Jersey, to continue to the development of their career in hospitality.
- The Flight and the 6-month Permits fees (no visa required) are the responsibility of the employers and are not to be deducted from the employees. Accommodation has to be provided for all employees before they come to the island.
Joining the Programme
STEP 1
Please watch the full webinar for all the information, also a reminder that the Flight and the 6-month Permits fees (no visa required) are the responsibility of the employers and are not to be deducted from the employees.
WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE WEBINAR NOW
STEP 2
Download the employer how to guide and familiarise yourself with the step to register on the platform:
DOWNLOAD THE EMPLOYER HOW TO GUIDE
STEP 3
Access the platform and upload your vacancies
ACCESS THE EMPLOYER’S PLATFORM AND REGISTER NOW
STEP 4
You will receive a notification for any employees interested in your position
Arrange a virtual interview
If the candidate is being offered the position, make the offer for the 6 months contract
Let the employee know what documents need to be provided in order to apply for the permit REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK APPLICATIONS
STEP 5
Apply for the Permit 6-MONTH WORK PERMITS CRITERIAS
STEP 6
Once the permit has been approved you can book their flight. The arrival on island has to be the same as the permit entry.
STEP 7
Book their place on the Welcome to Jersey Training– TBC
