US immigration changes could create more jobs for Jamaican workers, Charles says
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica’s Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.
- says recent changes to United States immigration policies could create additional opportunities for Jamaicans participating in the government’s Overseas Employment Programme.
- Charles said the legal framework governing Jamaica’s longstanding overseas employment arrangements with the United States has not been negatively affected by the changes.
- “My assessment of the policies so far have not impeded or negatively impacted any lawful arrangements,” Charles told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
- The minister said more than 15,000 Jamaicans participated in the farm work programme in 2025, with the number increasing marginally in 2026.
Jamaica’s Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says recent changes to United States immigration policies could create additional opportunities for Jamaicans participating in the government’s Overseas Employment Programme.
Charles said the legal framework governing Jamaica’s longstanding overseas employment arrangements with the United States has not been negatively affected by the changes.
“My assessment of the policies so far have not impeded or negatively impacted any lawful arrangements,” Charles told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
The minister said more than 15,000 Jamaicans participated in the farm work programme in 2025, with the number increasing marginally in 2026.
The United States has introduced a series of immigration changes in recent months, including stricter screening measures and changes affecting immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government directed embassies and consulates worldwide to postpone immigrant visa interviews while consular officers undergo training on new guidance concerning the “public charge” provision.
Under U.S. immigration law, a public-charge determination can make an immigrant visa applicant inadmissible if authorities determine that the person is likely to become primarily dependent on certain forms of government assistance.
The move followed changes announced last month affecting some non-immigrant visa categories, including international students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives.
Charles, however, said Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programme operates under a lawful government-to-government arrangement and could benefit from changes taking place in the U.S. labour market.
“Our Overseas Employment Programme is a lawful arrangement between Jamaica and the US,” he said.
Charles said the government has sent a permanent secretary to the United States to advance high-level discussions and explore potential employment opportunities for Jamaicans.
“We have identified the potential opportunities. And we see where those persons that are being removed, Jamaicans are ready to fill those positions, and to do so within the parameters of the law,” he said.
The minister said Jamaican workers have established a strong track record overseas and maintained that the government would continue pursuing opportunities for them to earn abroad through legal employment programmes.
Jamaica’s overseas employment programmes have for decades facilitated temporary employment for thousands of Jamaicans, particularly in the agricultural and hospitality sectors in the United States and Canada.
