Jamaican deportations more than double in 2025, PIOJ reports
Key Points(5)
- A total of 1,317 Jamaicans were deported to the island in 2025, representing a more than 140% increase from the 547 who were returned in 2024, according to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ).
- The findings are contained in the 2025 edition of the annual report published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
- The majority of the deportees, referred to in the report as involuntary returned migrants (IRMs), were returned from the United States.
- The report also found that the number of voluntary returned migrants (VRMs) rose to 852 in 2025, up 52.1% from 560 in 2024.
- VRMs are individuals who choose to return to their home country because of personal decisions, economic opportunities or family reasons.
A total of 1,317 Jamaicans were deported to the island in 2025, representing a more than 140% increase from the 547 who were returned in 2024, according to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ).
The findings are contained in the 2025 edition of the annual report published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
The majority of the deportees, referred to in the report as involuntary returned migrants (IRMs), were returned from the United States.
The report also found that the number of voluntary returned migrants (VRMs) rose to 852 in 2025, up 52.1% from 560 in 2024.
VRMs are individuals who choose to return to their home country because of personal decisions, economic opportunities or family reasons. In contrast, IRMs are people who are forcibly returned to their country of origin due to legal issues, including immigration violations or criminal convictions.
The increase in deportations comes amid heightened immigration enforcement in the United States, prompting renewed discussions in Jamaica about the country’s preparedness to receive and reintegrate returning nationals.
Jamaican officials have sought to reassure nationals abroad that those who voluntarily return or are deported will be welcomed home, while also warning that individuals with criminal backgrounds will face the consequences of any illegal activity upon their return.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has previously urged Jamaicans in the United States facing uncertain immigration circumstances to view Jamaica as their home, emphasizing that returning nationals would be supported. However, he has also warned deportees with criminal histories that they would face law enforcement action if they attempt to continue criminal activity on the island.
In response to concerns over increased returns, the government has also established a Deportation Response Action Plan involving multiple agencies to coordinate reception, security screening and support services for returning migrants.
Meanwhile, the number of Commonwealth citizens who migrated to Jamaica declined by 3.8% to 3,491 in 2025, compared with 3,630 the previous year.
The PIOJ also reported an increase in the number of registered aliens, with the figure rising 8.7% to 11,029 in 2025 from 10,146 in 2024.
According to the report, Asians accounted for the largest share of people requesting extensions of stay beyond six months, representing 49% of applicants. Caribbean nationals made up 19.4%, followed by Africans at 11.4%.
