More Than 15,000 Jamaicans Gained Employment in North America Last Year

A total of 9,587 Jamaicans travelled to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP), with 626 participating in the low-skilled programme in 2023.

Another 4,306 persons were dispatched to the United States for agricultural work, with 1,238 being deployed to the hospitality sector during the period.

This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during his 2024/25 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29).

Under the Overseas Employment Programme, thousands of Jamaicans have benefited from temporary job opportunities in Canada and the United States, enabling them to earn a decent income, gain valuable work experience, and acquire new skills that are transferrable upon their return to Jamaica.

Mr. Charles informed that the Ministry was enhancing the programme, starting with an orientation, training, and certification initiative.

“We started this exercise with a sensitisation session with Members of Parliament, who represent the eyes and ears of this Parliament at the constituency level. Arising from that, we have revised our orientation and selection process to include psychometric testing and revised literacy and numeracy tests. Additionally, we have expanded our pre-departure training programmes to include training and certification in an effort to ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.

Regarding working welfare, Mr. Charles said this was of paramount importance, noting that the Ministry has strengthened its support systems, to include increasing the number of liaison officers providing comprehensive assistance such as healthcare services, legal aid and counselling.

“Our liaison offices in host countries are equipped to address any issues that may arise, ensuring that our workers are protected and their rights upheld. Of note are the routine visits to employers and workers by our Liaison Officers which have more than tripled, moving from 71 to 224 for the first quarters of 2023 [and] 2024 respectively,” Mr. Charles said.

The Ministry is also working with government partners to ensure regulations and standards are satisfactory, and actively seeking to expand partnerships with international employers and agencies.

“We are forging new alliances to provide more opportunities for more Jamaicans,” Minister Charles said.

In addition, the Ministry has initiated the digital transformation of the Overseas Employment Programme.

This includes developing an online portal that streamlines the application process, provides real-time updates and facilitates better communication between the Ministry, workers and employers.