7,194 Persons Placed in Overseas Employment Programme from April to June

Approximately 7,194 Jamaicans were placed in the Overseas Employment Programme for the period April to June 2018, an increase of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, made the disclosure at a quarterly press briefing, held at the Ministry’s North Street Offices today (September 4).

“Since July 2018, some 1,295 additional persons have been recruited, of which about 100 have been placed on farms in the United States of America,” Mrs. Robinson said.

She noted that based on her visits to the United States Departments of Labour and Homeland Security, the Ministry expects new employees to come on board, possibly yielding 200 new recruits.

“As we accelerate marketing strategies for the programme, opportunities in the United States care and construction industries are being discussed,” Mrs. Robinson said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson said the Ministry is aware of the concerns about the recent incidents of scamming by employment agencies.

She pointed out that the comprehensive public-education campaign that was announced during her sectoral presentation in the House will be launched later this month.

“We will pay special attention to rural communities which are particularly susceptible to these nefarious activities. This will be accompanied by ramping up our synergies with the security forces in an increased effort to eradicate this scourge,” the Minister said.