Nearly 8,000 Jamaicans have traveled abroad for work under the government’s Overseas Employment Programme since the start of 2025, according to Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr.
Speaking at a departure ceremony on Tuesday, July 15, at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre in downtown Kingston, Charles said the majority of those workers are returning to the same farms and employers due to strong past performance.
“Almost 90 per cent are returning. Ten per cent are new, and many are being requested back because they have done a stellar job,” the minister told the latest group of seasonal agricultural workers headed to Canada.
He noted that 103 workers had departed earlier that day, with another 209 scheduled to leave on Wednesday. Of the latter group, 51 will be traveling for the first time—including four women.
Charles said the Ministry is actively working to increase female participation in the programme, particularly in the hospitality sector in the United States. “Go out and get your certification, get your experience, so we can try and get you an opportunity,” he urged.
The Minister also committed to strengthening worker support services, pledging to meet with liaison officers to ensure they are conducting more farm visits and are accessible to workers in Canada and the U.S.
“Farm workers, we are paying for a service to protect you, to make sure you have people in Canada and in the US to help you. The liaison officers are there to make sure that you have someone to lean on, to call [and that] you have an office there to make sure that your interest is served. Make sure you use it to your best benefit. Do not sit down and say to yourself, ‘I can’t get in touch with them’. If that is happening, you must let your Minister know,” he stated.
“They should be available to you, and there should be no hesitation on your part in reaching out if you encounter any difficulties or if you need any assistance. The Government of Jamaica has put in place this service to help our farm workers,” he added.
Minister of State Dr. Norman Dunn, who also addressed the workers, reminded them that they are Jamaica’s “brand ambassadors” and urged them to maintain a positive image abroad.
