Gov’t of Jamaica Pursuing Expansion of Overseas Employment Programmes In The United States

The Government of Jamaica is pressing ahead with efforts to expand the H-2A and H-2B United States (U.S.) work visa programmes.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, met with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden, to review the current state and explore the future expansion of Jamaica’s overseas employment programmes.

The meeting, held at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., highlighted the critical importance of the H-2A and H-2B visa programmes to Jamaica’s economic stability and the livelihoods of rural communities across the island.

These programmes have so far remained intact, amid broader immigration policy developments.

Mrs. Roberts Risden, who has oversight of overseas employment programmes in the United States and Canada, provided Ambassador Anderson with a comprehensive update on emerging opportunities for Jamaican workers.

Of particular note were new pathways for holders of the Jamaican Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL) and for workers trained in heavy machinery and equipment operation—sectors where English proficiency requirements align favourably with Jamaica’s workforce capabilities.

Ambassador Anderson underscored the enduring significance of Jamaica’s bilateral labour partnership with the U.S.

“Jamaica’s overseas employment programmes continue to be a pillar of economic resilience for our Jamaican workers and rural communities. Through our longstanding partnership with the United States, the Embassy remains committed to expanding safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour pathways, especially as we rebuild and create new opportunities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” he said.

The discussions acknowledged the programme’s deep historical roots, dating back to 1943 when the first cohort of Jamaican workers arrived in the United States during World War II to help address critical labour shortages.

Over the past eight decades, this partnership has evolved into one of the most successful bilateral labour arrangements in the Western Hemisphere.

Recent programme statistics underscore the continued strength of this bilateral labour relationship. During the last programme year, approximately 5,000 Jamaican workers were employed seasonally in the United States agricultural sector under the H-2A visa programme. Additionally, more than 12,000 Jamaican workers participated in the H-2B visa programme, contributing significantly to the American hospitality and landscaping industries.

Beyond employment placement, the United States has extended substantial technical assistance to Jamaica in areas critical to labour governance. This support has included Labour Market Information Systems, child labour prevention initiatives, occupational safety and health protocols, and programmes addressing trafficking in persons.

The meeting assumed added significance in light of Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Both officials affirmed that the overseas employment programmes remain a vital mechanism for economic recovery, providing Jamaican workers with income-earning opportunities that directly benefit families and communities affected by the disaster.

Mrs. Roberts Risden was accompanied by Liaison Officers, Sheldon Brown and Karlene Brown, who provide direct support to Jamaican workers in the overseas employment programmes.

Also in attendance was Minister Counsellor for Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy, Aliecia Taylor.

The Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening labour cooperation with the United States and ensuring that Jamaican workers continue to access dignified, well-regulated employment opportunities abroad.