PICA Immigration Training Programme Strengthens Jamaica’s First Line of Border Defense

When passengers arrive in Jamaica, whether through Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay or the gates of Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, they are met by the men and women who serve as the nation’s first line of defense—immigration officers.

They are not merely gatekeepers. They are highly trained professionals charged with maintaining border integrity, enforcing immigration protocols, and preserving Jamaica’s international standing as a safe and welcoming nation.

It is a careful balancing act—enforcing the laws of the land while exemplifying the warmth and hospitality that define Jamaica’s global reputation

To equip them for this vital responsibility, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) administers a rigorous residential training programme that cultivates operational competence, sharpens professional judgment, and embeds the core values essential for service at Jamaica’s ports of entry.

The most recent training programme, conducted for the 19th cohort over six weeks from June 16 to July 31, was hosted at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica.

It brought together 30 candidates from across the island, all aspiring to join the ranks of Jamaica’s immigration officers.

Training Facilitator for the programme and Immigration Supervisor at Norman Manley International Airport, Cameel Francis, describes the curriculum as comprehensive.

“The individuals were exposed to a wide variety of functions that they would need to complete their duties as immigration officers. They were introduced to the laws, visa requirements, our database used for passenger processing, aspects of self-defense, report writing—just the whole gamut of what they will do as immigration officers at the ports,” she outlines.

The programme’s structure was designed to take participants from foundational knowledge to operational readiness. The initial period covered the basics of immigration procedures, roles and functions.

This was followed by an in-depth study of immigration laws, a “major part of their core functions,” as Ms. Francis describes it—before moving into engagements with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

As the programme progressed, the training intensified, culminating in a week of rigorous examinations on laws, landing and categorisation, visa and entry requirements, and operational practices. Of the 30 participants who commenced the programme, 28 successfully completed it.

For Ms. Francis, one of the most impactful components of the programme came in its final phase: the site visits.

“When they went to the Norman Manley International Airport, they actually realised everything holistically; how to do the interview, how to apply the laws, as well as to use our database,” she says.

These real-world scenarios enabled trainees to integrate their classroom instruction with the dynamic, high-pressure realities of port operations.

The residential nature of the programme introduced unique dynamics that enriched the learning experience.

Facilitators—including Ms. Francis and her colleague from Sangster International Airport, Tracy Patterson—lived alongside the trainees throughout the programme, fostering a culture of continuous engagement, peer learning, and professional camaraderie.

“It felt like home away from home… it was like another family. The trainees were like my little children. We had to ensure their meals were prepared, deal with issues they had… and still make sure the training content was delivered,” she tells JIS News.

Among the graduates was Andrae Chen, the top performer of the 19th cohort. Stationed at the Sangster International Airport, Mr. Chen shares that becoming an immigration officer felt like a natural progression in his professional journey—one that aligned with his commitment to national service and operational excellence.

“My values are aligned with the company in terms of professionalism, integrity, being customer service-oriented, and being an accountable person. It was a no-brainer, because I see where I align with the company,” he says.

Mr. Chen points out that the legal component of the course was the greatest challenge.

“We had to know [the laws] word for word. So having to cram that information in your brain over those periods of weeks was a tough task,” he notes.

Mr. Chen, nonetheless, graduated confident in his readiness, noting that, “after the training, we’ve become more rounded… we’re ready.”

Another graduate, Shara Dale-Ferguson, describes the experience as both “trying” and “challenging”.

“There were intervals where we felt as though we should give up. But here we are… we persevered and we’re successful,” she says.

For Ms. Dale-Ferguson, the programme’s most enduring lesson was the importance of striking a balance between enforcement and hospitality

“Though we are enforcing the laws of the land, we still need to do it in such a way that customer service is upheld,” she emphasises.

International partners played a pivotal role in broadening participants’ understanding of global border security challenges, including document fraud and human trafficking.

“Prior to those sessions, we would not have known what transpires in the back-end as it relates to the effort put in border security; those presentations did enlighten us,” Ms. Dale-Ferguson notes.

Ms. Francis further emphasises that the role of immigration officer demands unwavering passion and dedication.

“If you’re interested and you have a love for your country… you must love service. Many times, you have to sacrifice your time for your family or personal life. You must be into service, and you have to love what you do,” she maintains.

This sentiment was echoed during the graduation ceremony held at the Jamaica Defence Force Caribbean Military Academy, Up Park Camp, Kingston, where senior officials, family members, and fellow officers gathered to honour the graduates’ achievements.

“We are the first impression, we are the first persons to interact with the passengers… this role is very important for the country, and we intend to do our best as officers to carry out this role as best as we can,” Mr. Chen assures.