HRMD@Mona has complied this FAQ based on popular questions pertaining to Human Rescource matters at the Mona Campus.
Leave
I am a regular full-time member of the academic staff.
What is my local leave entitlement?
Academic staff members, who are on continuous
duties, (e.g. clinical staff in the Faculty of Medical Sciences)
are entitled to 42 days' local leave.
What are the leave entitlements for the different categories
of staff on campus?
University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU)
| Years of Service | Leave Entitlement |
| 1-4 years | 21 working days |
| 5-9 years | 28 working days |
| 10-14 years | 35 working days |
| 15 and over | 42 working days |
Mona Administrative and Technical Staff (MONATS)
| Years of Service | Leave Entitlement |
| 1-9 years | 28 working days |
| 10- 14years | 35 working days |
| 15 and over | 42 working days |
All applications for vacation and maternity leave should reach the Human
Resource Management Division at least four weeks before the leave is due to
be taken.
For detailed information regarding the various types of leave, please refer
to the appropriate handbook dealing with Terms and Conditions of Service MONATS
and UAWU categories of staff
When am I eligible for local leave?
You are entitled to local leave after completing a full year of service.
What are the criteria for the granting of Assisted Passage Leave?
You must have a minimum of six years of service and be in receipt of a qualifying
salary.
What is Assisted Passage Leave?
Members of the Administrative, Technical and Service staff at the University
of the West Indies, Mona would be eligible to apply for leave abroad with
assisted passage for him/her, spouse and children. The qualifying salary for
Assisted Passage leave, under existing conditions will be at an amount equivalent
to point 5 in Grade 7.
Accommodation
Who qualifies for housing accommodation?
All Academic Staff, Senior Administrative Staff and Professional Staff in
the WIGUT Bargaining Unit.
Is it possible for me to be provided with housing on campus?
It is not always possible to facilitate this request as the number
of houses and flats owned by the University, on or near to the campus, are
inadequate to house all staff members.
Newly recruited staff members are usually provided with leased housing within
a five-mile radius of the Campus. Your name will be placed on the housing
list for consideration
for campus housing when it becomes available.
How do I get my name on the housing list? Is it automatic?
As a newly recruited staff member your name is automatically placed on the
list.
How is the size of the accommodation determined?
The size of the accommodation is based on the position level, marital
status, and number of children.
For more information, you can contact Maintenance Services - Housing/ Accommodation,
or email: housing@uwimona.edu.jm
Are household appliances and furniture provided?
Basic items of furniture, linen and crockery are available from the
University, at a cost, for up to three months.
What household articles should I bring?
You are encouraged to bring as much as possible, e.g. your own linen.
Note: All household appliances should be in your possession for a period of
not less than six months, in order not
to attract duty. It is advisable that where appliances are new, you produce
receipts for the information of the customs officials.
Can the driver’s licence that I currently have be used?
You can use your licence for one year, but thereafter, you must obtain
a Jamaican driver’s licence. An international driver’s licence
is not acceptable as an alternative to
the acquisition of a Jamaican driver’s licence.
How do I get a Jamaican driver’s licence?
You will need to visit the Licence Division, Inland Revenue Department
to obtain application forms. You are also required to have three photographs
and a photocopy of a valid licence.
You will be required to take a written examination and a driving test, which
includes parking, reversing and hill start. On successful completion of the
test, a fee is payable for the licence. You will be expected to be familiar
with the Jamaican Road Codes.
Work Permit/Exemption
How long does it usually take to process an application for work permit/ exemption?
The processing, which is done by the Ministry of Labour, can take as long
as four to six weeks.
I have been advised that I will need to get a visa before travelling to Jamaica.
How do I obtain one?
Visas can be obtained from any of Jamaica’s diplomatic missions, but
only after you have been advised that the work permit has been approved.
Increments
Can you tell me when I will be granted an increment?All Services staff have an incremental date of April 1, Administrative and Technical Staff have an incremental date of June 1, and the members of the Academic, Senior Administrative and Technical staff have an incremental date of August 1.
Motor Vehicle Importation
Before making any arrangements to ship a vehicle to Jamaica:
1. Use a Custom Broker
It is strongly advised that you use the services of a licensed customs broker.
The broker will be able to advise on the procedures to be followed, the documents
required, and the cost of duties payable, as well as any other fees that may
be charged.
2. Apply for an import licence
An application for an import licence
must be obtained from the Trade Board Limited, 4 Winchester Road, Kingston
10. Your broker will assist you in this matter.
Complete and submit an Order and Clearance Permit application form {in triplicate} along with the following documents, and receive approval before the motor vehicle is shipped:
(a) an invoice from the dealer/supplier (if the motor
vehicle is new), detailing model, accessories, and CIF value; Passport, Driver's Licence, or Voter's Identification Card |
4. Paying Fees
An initial deposit fee, is payable to the Trade Board, by cheque, money order
or postal order, on submission of the applications forms.
A processing fee is also payable, on approval of the Order and Clearance Permit.
Rates specified by the Trade Board.
5. Custom Clearance
In order to obtain Customs clearance of
the motor vehicle, the authorities require:
| (a) import licence
(b) title (c) bill of lading (d) tax compliance certificate (e) evidence of place of residence (passport) (f) copy of contract (g) valid driver's licence. |
6. Duty Payment
Duties equivalent to 20 percent of the c.i.f. value of the motor vehicle will be payable on its clearance through Customs. Teaching/research equipment would not normally attract import duty or sales tax. It is advisable, however, to ascertain beforehand whether particular items would attract import duty and sales tax.
Tax Information
Income Tax Exemption
U.K. and U.S. citizens are eligible for exemption from Income Tax for the
first two years of employment at the UWI providing they are full-time teaching
staff and have been working in those countries for one year (academic or calendar)
prior to coming to Jamaica. The member of staff must make application to the
Commissioner of Income Tax.
Export of Funds
Application may be made by a non-Jamaican staff member to the Bank of Jamaica for permission to export 30% of salary in the form of drafts at Exchange Rates existing from time to time. More than 30% may be allowed on documented evidence of commitments such as mortgages, upkeep of dependents, etc.
Applications should be made as soon as possible after arrival in Jamaica
as approval is not given retroactively.
Current Statutory Deductions
The following statutory deductions are made either monthly or fortnightly from salaries:
| Income Tax | 25% |
National Housing Trust (NHT) |
2% |
|
National Insurance Scheme (NIS) |
2½% |
Education Tax |
2½% |
ID Processing
The identification card issued at the time of employment must be in the possession of an employee at all times, while on University premises. This serves to provide authorized security personnel on the Campus with evidence of employment.
The production and issuance of identification cards for all employees (including new members of staff) is the responsibility of the Human Resource Management Division, and hence the loss of, or damage to identification cards must be reported to the Gibraltar Camp Road office for replacement.
New employees are required to obtain an identification card by the first working day.
On termination of employment, employees are required to return their identification
cards to the Human Resource Management Division.
Tution Exemption
Can temporary members of staff employed at UWI Mona Campus benefit
from tuition exemption?
Full –time, temporary or project staff, who have been in continuous
employment with the University for three (3) years at the beginning of the
academic year will be exempted from tuition fees.