Working Overseas Through Jamaica's Official Programme: What the Latest Figures Show
More Jamaicans than ever are taking up seasonal work in Canada and the United States through the Government's Overseas Employment Programme. In 2025, 15,169 workers were sent abroad, 944 more than the year before. Here is what the latest figures show, who can apply, and how to stay safe from people charging for "guaranteed" places.
The 2025 numbers
Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr announced the 15,169 figure in his Sectoral Debate presentation in May, as reported by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) gave a fuller breakdown in its Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, as reported by the Jamaica Observer:
- Overall participation rose by 4.8%.
- Canadian programmes grew by 6.9% to 9,359 people, about 61.7% of the total. The Canadian Farm and Factory Work Programme alone rose 7.4% to 8,877.
- The US programmes together grew 1.7% to 5,810. The US Hospitality Programme jumped 16.2% to 1,236, while the US Farm Work Programme dipped 1.6% to 4,574.
- Women made up 1,150 participants, an 18.2% increase, although men still accounted for 92.4% of the total. In the US Hospitality Programme, women were the majority at 51.8%.
The 2026 season began early. On January 6, the first group of 182 seasonal agricultural workers left for Canada, heading to greenhouse and fruit and vegetable farms in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, the Observer reported. Ninety per cent of that group were returning workers.
Recruitment for 2027
In May the Minister said recruitment for the 2027 season would begin immediately, with Members of Parliament asked to nominate 50 suitable people each and to reserve up to five of those places for women, according to JIS. MPs were also encouraged to put forward people experienced with heavy farm equipment, forklifts and tractors.
Who can apply?
For the farm work programmes, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security says applicants must:
- be between 21 and 45 years old
- be literate and in good health
- have a valid passport, a TRN and an NIS number
- have farming experience
They must not have a criminal record, have been deported from any country, or have been refused a visa by Canada, the USA or another country in the past year. The hospitality strand has its own age range (21 to 40) and needs hotel experience, according to JIS.
How the process works
You cannot simply walk in and sign up. Application forms are issued to suitable candidates through Members of Parliament, mayors, councillors, Ministry parish offices and civic organisations. After an interview, candidates go through local and international security checks, a medical and biometrics before a visa is issued and they are matched with an employer. Recruitment depends on how many workers overseas employers ask for.
Protect yourself
The Ministry is clear that application forms are not for sale, and JIS states there is no registration or placement fee for the programme. If someone asks you for money to "fast-track" you onto a farm work list or promises you a place, walk away and report it.
Is it right for you?
Seasonal work abroad can mean months away from family, long days and physical labour, but for many households it provides income that is hard to match at home. If you are interested, talk to your MP's constituency office or your local Ministry of Labour parish office about the next intake, and get your passport, TRN and NIS sorted now.
If you would rather find work at home, Splash Jamaica lists jobs with employers across the island.
Sources: Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Observer, Ministry of Labour and Social Security.