Work permit for foreign workers (employer-led One Stop Unit procedure)
WorkSince November 2024 employers in Suriname (or their authorised representative) apply digitally for the worker's short-stay visa, authorisation for temporary stay (MKV) and work permit; a One Stop Unit lets the Foreign Affairs (BIBIS), Labour (AWJ) and Justice & Police ministries handle them at the same time, so employers know before departure whether the worker qualifies.
- Application lodged digitally by the employer or an authorised representative (not by the worker alone)
- One Stop Unit: BIBIS, AWJ and Justice & Police process the application simultaneously; the Central Bureau for Civil Affairs (CBB) is approached separately, and the worker reports to the Aliens Police on arrival
- Once AWJ has approved its part and the worker holds an MKV, the worker may start work immediately on arrival
- After arrival the employer or representative must still submit the documents in person at the Work Permits for Foreigners department so the Director of Labour can issue the actual work permit
- Ministry target: permits can be arranged within 21 days (October 2024 announcement)