GEORGETOWN, Guyana - The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has launched a study to better facilitate the free movement of persons and the integration of the regional labour market.

"The project will assist in the development of policies through evidence gathering and analysis of the actual impact of free movement and other forms of migration on domestic labour markets and on the provision of social services," a CARICOM statement said.

"It aims to enable CARICOM member states to discharge their responsibilities more effectively under the various regimes related to the free movement of persons."

The study will gather information on immigration trends under the free movement of persons regime and the demand for social services such as housing health and education.

The project will also investigate immigration trends under work permit arrangements prior to and since the implementation of the regime for free movement of persons. Other social impacts arising from the movement of persons under both arrangements also will be investigated.

The six-month study is being facilitated with the assistance of the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Integration Support Programme (CISP) and is being conducted by A-Z Information Jamaica Ltd.

The project will be implemented in CARICOM member states participating in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), except Antigua and Barbuda which is working on a separate project.

[From Study on impact of free movement underway - Caribbean360]