In a landmark move hailed as a humanitarian and diplomatic triumph, the Government of Jamaica has agreed to initiate a regularization process for Dominican citizens living in the country without legal immigration status.
The announcement, made by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica, follows more than a year of sustained diplomatic engagement with key Jamaican authorities, particularly the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Ministry of National Security. Though Jamaica had signaled early support, formal approval was only secured recently after continued negotiations led by Dominican Ambassador Angie Martínez.
“This is not only a strategic win—it’s a victory for human dignity,” said Martínez, who emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the Dominican Republic’s foreign policy focus on the protection and rights of its nationals abroad.
Currently, over 2,000 Dominicans reside in Jamaica, many in Montego Bay, contributing to sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and construction. The regularization process will allow eligible individuals to apply for legal status, with legal and technical assistance provided by the Dominican Embassy.
The milestone adds to a growing list of diplomatic achievements under Ambassador Martínez’s leadership. These include the establishment of visa-free travel for Dominicans visiting Jamaica for tourism or business, direct flights between Santo Domingo and Kingston, an increase in Dominican exports, new Jamaican investments in the Dominican Republic, and expanded access for Dominican agricultural products in both Jamaican and Bahamian markets.
As her mission comes to an end, Ambassador Martínez reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting Dominican nationals in Jamaica and the Bahamas, emphasizing a foreign policy grounded in inclusion, community outreach, and sustainable development.
