Overseas Employment Programme

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security partners with employers in Canada and the United States of America (USA) to deliver a multifaceted programme which provides employment to skilled Jamaican labourers. The programme offers employment in three schemes – Low Skill workers in Canada, Hospitality in the USA and Seasonal Agriculture (commonly called Farm Work) in the USA and Canada.

Recruitment and Application Process

Candidates are pre-selected primarily by Members of Parliament in their constituencies. Application forms may also be issued to suitable candidates through mayors/councillors, churches, civic organisations, trade unions and some agricultural entities such as the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and agricultural schools.

Applicants are then interviewed. The successful candidates are required to prepare relevant documents, do biometric testing and undergo medical examinations in preparation for visa applications.

Requirements for Applicants

In selecting ideal candidates that align with the demands of the Overseas Employment Programme, the Ministry requires that applicants:

• Are between the ages of 21-40 years for the Hospitality aspect of the programme and 21-45 for the Seasonal Agricultural scheme
• Be physically fit for work and be able to read and write
• Have not been previously disqualified from any scheme of the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Programme
• Have a valid Jamaican/CARICOM passport
• Have a Tax Registration Number (TRN) and a National Insurance Scheme (NIS) number
• Have not been deported by any country or have a criminal record
• Have experience farming or working in the hotel industry (depending on the area of interest)

There is no registration or placement fee for the Overseas Employment Programme.

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Address: 1F North Street, Kingston
Telephone: 876-676-5694-6/876-922-9500-17
Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Website: www.mlss.gov.jm
Facebook, Instagram: @mlssjamaica
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