The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is pleased to announce that Permanent Secretary Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden has accepted a two-year assignment, beginning in early September 2024, to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Jamaica's Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States. This special assignment reflects the critical importance of the Overseas Employment Programmes to Jamaica’s labour...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security received 4,988 work permit applications for the 2023 calendar year, an 8.8 per cent increase over 2022. Of this number, 2,644 were for renewals, while the remaining 2,344 were new applications. These details are contained in the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2023, which was tabled in Parliament...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security advises all its NIS pensioners, Social Pensioners and PATH beneficiaries to be vigilant against scams circulating via text message (SMS) and on WhatsApp, informing recipients of "bonus" funds being disbursed. These messages are part of a scam and are not authentic communications from the Government of Jamaica. If you receive such a message...

Social Worker, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Clurdine Powell Harrison, uses a mobile phone to capture images highlighting damage to Cameka Chamberlin's residence in Mitchell Town, during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3. Occasion was a visit to the community in Clarendon on July 10 by teams from the Ministry to assess the damage and provide relief items...

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn (left) greets past student of the Ministry’s Early Stimulation Programme, Joshua Hall during the staging of the programme’s 2024 graduation exercise held on July 10 at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica Bethel Temple in Kingston.

Community Liaison Officer, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Nadola Williams, speaks with Portland Cottage resident, Joseph McGregor, after presenting him with tarpaulin to protect this home from the elements.  Teams from the Ministry journeyed to communities in Clarendon on Wednesday (July 10), to assess the extent of damage from Hurricane Beryl and provide relief items to affected persons.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has taken swift and practical measures to provide essential humanitarian assistance to affected communities across Jamaica. Addressing Wednesday’s (July 10) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said following the hurricane’s passage on July 3, dedicated teams from the Ministry were promptly...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) Programme, which is aimed at providing immediate assistance to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Beryl. The major elements of the programme include the distribution of food and essential supplies; utility, water, electricity and telecommunications restoration; housing reconstruction and support; and economic recovery and restoration...

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl which impacted Jamaica on July 3, 2024, and the subsequent flooding due to heavy rainfall, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) continues to lead the national humanitarian response to assist residents in affected communities across the island. As of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, the MLSS has confirmed that 71 shelters are still in...