Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security has warned persons to be wary of fake job fair posters circulating on social media that advertise possibilities overseas.
In a release on Thursday, the ministry said it is aware of people responding to advertisements, and paid fees, only to realize that the individuals are operating illegally.
The ministry has urged the public to visit the ministry’s website at www.mlss.gov.jm to confirm the list of employment agencies which are licensed to operate in Jamaica, before engaging with employment offers.
“Persons may also contact the Ministry’s Employment Agencies Unit at 876-676-5806 or via email at employmentagenciesunit.ja@mlss.gov.jm for information,” it added.
The Labour and Social Security Ministry said it has established a hotline at 876-553-5457 to facilitate reports via WhatsApp.
Those who think they have been defrauded are advised to contact the ministry right away and report the incident to the police fraud squad.
According to the Employment Agencies Act, any person or organization planning to engage in the recruitment of workers in Jamaica for placement in jobs, either locally or abroad, must get a licence from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. This licence is renewable annually.
Also, a person found to be operating in breach may be subject to a fine of $1 million and/or up to 12 months’ imprisonment, on conviction.
The ministry further urged individuals and entities operating without valid licences to cease and desist and are urged to immediately pursue steps to regularize their operations, adding that the ministry has a zero-tolerance approach to employment scamming and illegal operators.
