Chinese mechanics at Ferry facility apply to regularise work status

 

Mechanics at the Chinese-owned Whole Hearted Company Services have formally applied to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for the regularisation of their status.

 

The auto repair business, located at Ferry, off Mandela Highway in St. Andrew, was shuttered last month after it emerged that the foreign workers were operating without permits.

 

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. provided an update on the investigation into the operations of the business at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing.

 

"It is an inter-ministerial process in terms of advancing the necessary assessments to determine if any sanctions or what sanctions through the Ministry of National Security and also to identify and to advance whatever issues in terms of work permit or immigration status will be required for them to be regularised. There are two things that we have said that we have continued to do. It's one, to make sure that the rule of law is upheld in Jamaica and that anyone operating who is a foreign national, which is what comes under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, does so in adherence to the law," he insisted. 

 

Minister Charles said he has noted the concerns raised by members of the public about the gaps in reliable service in the auto repair industry.

 

"We hear the Jamaicans, the hundreds and thousands, I've received letters, I've received calls and several persons who have indicated that the gap in that space in terms of the labour market is persuading them to encourage the government to help these companies to get a space because of the affordability, reliability and effectiveness of their service. And so we do not create any barrier. We are facilitating as best as we can. Once the law is adhered to, we are continuing to do everything we can to ensure that they can reopen as quickly as possible," the minister sought to assure.