Can employees keep their social security contributions when moving between Caribbean countries?
How the agreement works
Why it matters for employers
For businesses that relocate staff between Caribbean territories, or that hire employees who previously worked in another CARICOM country, this agreement means prior contributions are not lost. Employers should ask new hires about prior CARICOM work history so contribution records can be linked correctly with the relevant national insurance boards.
What employees need to do
- Keep a record of every CARICOM country worked in, with the applicable dates and the national insurance registration number for each.
- Notify each country's national insurance board when contributions in that country stop, so records can be prepared for the reciprocal calculation.
- Apply for pension benefits through the country of current residence, which coordinates with the other participating countries.
Participation terms and the list of currently participating member states should be confirmed directly with the relevant national insurance board, as reciprocal arrangements can be updated over time.
Which countries participate in the CARICOM Reciprocal Agreement?
Participation is determined by CARICOM member states and can change over time. Because the list is subject to update, confirm current participation directly with the national insurance board in the relevant country rather than relying on a published list.
What should an employee do when moving between CARICOM countries?
Keep the national insurance registration number and contribution dates for each country worked in, and notify the outgoing country's board when contributions stop. Pension applications are then made through the country of current residence.
