The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is not only about goods and capital. Indeed it is mainly about people. In fact
within the Revised Treaty Establishing the Caribbean Community, which includes the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),
there are several provisions dealing with persons. None, however, are more important in a genuine Single Market and Economy
than the provisions relating to the free movement of persons.

Article 45 of the Revised Treaty declares that Member States commit themselves to the goal of free movement of their national
within the community.

The agreements which CARICOM Governments have made concerning free movement of persons are written in the Revised Treaty.
Decisions such as new classes of persons who are eligible to move and transfer of social security benefits were made by the
Ministerial Organs and Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

The agreements in the Revised Treaty can be divided into two main parts, namely;

1. Free Movement for the purposes of engagement in gainful economic activity and
2. Hassle-Free Travel / Facilitation of Travel

Free movement for gainful economic activity within the CSME is available to wage earners, self-employed persons and to person
s establishing companies and other types of business organizations.
The main changes brought about by the CSME are;

• the abolition of the work permit,
• the introduction of the CARICOM Certificate of Recognition of Skills Qualification, (CARICOM Skills Certificate)
• definite entry for 6 months,
• indefinite stay in a Member State and
• the right to transfer one’s social security benefits from one CARICOM State to another.

Hassle free travel is a necessary condition for persons to fully enjoy the rights connected to movement for the purposes of
engagement in gainful economic activity. It includes;

• the Common ED Card
• the CARICOM Line at immigration points
• abolition of the need for a visa and
• the CARICOM Passport