KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaican Government says an estimated 15,169 nationals were employed in Canada and the United States last year under the Overseas Employment Program.
Labor and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr told the House of Representatives that the figure is an increase of 944 over the previous year, “an increase despite all of the issues.
“This reflects continued international confidence in the Jamaican workforce,” he said, adding that in the coming months, the Ministry will roll out an automated calling and text messaging system designed to enhance worker communication, strengthen tracking, and reduce administrative delays and costs.
“We will upgrade and repair the East Street facility [in downtown Kingston] to improve processing conditions, another request from our farm workers, and we will open a processing outpost in St. James to bring services closer to workers in western Jamaica, reducing travel time for those in Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny, St. James, and surrounding areas.
“All of these are requests from our farm workers. We are listening to you; this is not administrative convenience. It is service reform, bringing Government closer to the people that we are here to serve,” Charles said.
He said in response to concerns raised by farm workers regarding the medical assessment process, the Ministry temporarily suspended those assessments to facilitate a thorough and impartial review.
He said assessments will now only resume once the authorities here are satisfied that the process is “fair, transparent, and fully protective of our workers.
“Beginning this week, Jamaicans traveling to the United States through the Ministry will have the option to access an insurance program under United Work and Travel’s policy with The Hartford –providing up to US$100,000 in coverage, including protection for serious illness, death, and dismemberment,” Charles told legislators.
Meanwhile, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, the Ministry will award 60 scholarships to the children of farm workers participating in the initiative.
Recruitment for the 2027 season will commence immediately, with letters being issued to all Members of Parliament requesting nominations for 50 suitable individuals to participate in the Overseas Employment Program.
“I ask that this year, up to five of those nominations be (reserved) for female candidates,” Charles said, urging legislators to nominate farmers who are trained and experienced in areas such as operating heavy agricultural equipment, forklift operations, tractor driving, and other tasks involving the use or servicing of farm machinery.
Jamaica will host the 2026 Annual Review Meeting of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program in November, bringing together Canadian officials, employers, and regional labor ministers to strengthen cooperation and modernize labor mobility.
