Almost 2,500 Jamaicans secure US jobs under agricultural and non-agricultural programmes
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KINGSTON, Jamaica — A total of 2,482 Jamaicans travelled to the United States (US) for employment between January and June 2025 under the H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) visa programmes.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, made the disclosure during a Jamaica Central Labour Organisation (JACLO) webinar on Thursday.
He said the figure represents 36 per cent of all Jamaicans who have secured overseas employment for the year- to-date.
“For us, it’s not just numbers. These are our sons, our daughters, our mothers, our fathers whose lives and communities are being transformed and impacted because they have access to meaningful work,” Charles said.
He noted that the ministry continues to support participants in the Overseas Employment Programme through skills training, work readiness preparation and the management of a national database of pre-screened workers.
We respond swiftly to your needs as employers and we also conduct pre-departure orientation, covering labour rights, financial literacy and cultural expectations. Again [this is] another element in Jamaica’s effort to prepare our candidates for the transition to this jurisdiction where we want them to expose themselves but also to represent Jamaica with excellence,” he said.
He further noted that liaison officers play a vital role in safeguarding the welfare of Jamaican workers overseas, helping to resolve disputes, and ensuring that both workers and employers are supported throughout the employment period.
“Many of our employers can testify that our liaison officers become their best friends, because they’re the ones whom they can rely on sometimes to communicate, sometimes to understand. Additionally, we also have moved, now, to have a sort of mentorship programme where we pair the experienced workers with the newcomers, promoting discipline, emotional preparedness, and just getting them to really be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” the minister said.
Charles noted that while the H-2A programme remains Jamaica’s flagship for overseas agricultural employment, the Government is actively working to expand access to the H-2B programme, which facilitates temporary non-agricultural work opportunities.
He stated that these individuals have contributed to the seasonal operations in states like Florida, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri and Colorado.
“This programme has created valuable opportunities, seeing many openings in hospitality, landscaping, construction, janitorial services, seafood processing and amusement and recreation. We have persons who fit the bill for all of those categories. In 2024, over 12,000 Jamaicans were employed through theH-2B programme,”Charles said.
“These workers continue to shine in their roles, some of them are cooks, housekeepers, drivers, bartenders, landscapers [and] front desk agents… They are the face of hospitality in your jurisdiction. Many of them come with significant experience from a country that relies on tourism and, therefore, we have refined experts here who are not only certified but experienced most times before they come,” the minister added.
Charles also pointed out that as labour shortages continue to affect seasonal industries across the United States, Jamaica remains strategically positioned to respond.
“We are nearshore, and by investing in worker readiness, expanding our talent pools [and] reinforcing ethical recruitment, we are ensuring that our labour programmes remain agile, reliable and impactful and that we are ready to partner with you,” he stated.
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Top Reasons to Hire Jamaican Workers
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Top Reasons to Hire Jamaican Workers
When seeking top-tier talent for your business, it’s important to look beyond local borders and consider workers from across the globe. One such group that stands out in the international workforce is Jamaican workers. Renowned for their skills, work ethic, and cultural adaptability, Jamaican workers have become highly sought after by employers worldwide. Here are the top reasons to hire Jamaican workers and how e-JAM can help connect you with the best candidates.
1. High-Quality Skills Across Various Industries
Jamaicans are known for their versatility and excellence in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, construction, landscaping, and engineering. Whether you’re looking for workers in skilled trades, customer service, or manual labor, Jamaica has a rich pool of talented professionals ready to take on roles internationally.
At e-JAM, we have spent years building a comprehensive database of qualified Jamaican workers. Our team specializes in recruiting and placing individuals with the right skills and experience for your specific needs.
2. Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
Jamaican workers are often praised for their strong work ethic, dedication, and reliability. They tend to be highly motivated, proactive, and focused on delivering quality results. These attributes make them invaluable in both short-term projects and long-term roles.
Employers who have hired Jamaican workers consistently report high satisfaction with their performance, citing qualities like punctuality, attention to detail, and a positive attitude toward their work.
3. Cultural Adaptability and Customer Service Excellence
Jamaicans are known for their warmth, friendliness, and easygoing nature. These traits are highly valued, especially in industries like hospitality and customer service, where creating a welcoming environment is crucial. Jamaican workers excel in interacting with customers and adapting to diverse cultural settings, making them ideal for global businesses with international clientele.
4.Expertise in Seasonal and Temporary Roles
Jamaica has long been a hub for temporary workers, particularly in fields like hospitality and landscaping. Many Jamaican workers are experienced in seasonal roles and have a proven track record of performing well under the pressures of high-demand periods. Whether you need workers for summer resorts, construction projects, or landscaping services, Jamaican workers can help you meet your temporary staffing needs.
With e-JAM, you can easily find qualified Jamaican workers for both short-term assignments and long-term positions, making us your go-to solution for seasonal hiring.
5.Cost-Effectiveness
While the skills and work ethic of Jamaican workers are on par with those from any part of the world, the cost of hiring can be significantly lower. This makes Jamaican workers an attractive option for companies looking to optimize their staffing budget without compromising on quality.
Our services at e-JAM ensure that you get the best value for your investment by connecting you with skilled workers who are ready to deliver high-quality results at a competitive rate.
6. Comprehensive Support from e-JAM
At e-JAM, we understand the complexities of hiring international talent. That’s why we offer end-to-end support to both employers and job seekers. Our platform makes it easy to post job openings, search for resumes, and manage the entire hiring process. We also provide assistance with visa processing, candidate vetting, and placement services to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Having worked with global employers for over 20 years, we’re able to match employers with workers who meet their specific needs and ensure they are ready to succeed from day one.
Let e-JAM Help You Find the Best Jamaican Talent
Hiring Jamaican workers can bring tremendous value to your business, from their expertise to their reliability and strong work ethic. At e-JAM, we have the experience and tools necessary to connect you with top Jamaican talent, no matter where you're located.
If you're looking to hire skilled Jamaican workers or if you're a global employer seeking assistance with recruiting for your international operations, we’re here to help. Contact e-JAM today to learn more about how we can assist with your hiring needs.
Fully Understanding the H-2B Program: A Guide for Jobseekers
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As we approach a new H-2B season, it’s essential for jobseekers to fully understand the program and manage their expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits, realities, and responsibilities that come with the H-2B Program.
The Benefits of the H-2B Program:
- Employer-Covered Costs: Your program fees, travel, and visa expenses are typically covered by the employer.
- Visa Extensions: You can extend your stay for up to three years by securing consecutive assignments.
- Reapplication Opportunities: As long as you maintain a good record, you can reapply indefinitely.
Important Realities
- Limited Visas: Only 33,000 visas are issued per season (Winter and Summer), a fraction of the demand.
- Competition: Many applicants are vying for a small number of positions, with landscapers being the most sought-after occupation—not hospitality workers as many believe.
- Flexibility Matters: Being picky about job location or type lowers your chances of placement.
Responsibilities of Applicants
To improve your chances of securing an H-2B job, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Complete Registration: Simply emailing your resume won’t suffice. Register on our platform and upload your updated resume.
- Update Your Resume: Employers won’t review outdated or incomplete resumes. Include relevant experience, employer names, and accurate dates.
- Meet Qualifications: Ensure you meet the job requirements. U.S. regulations prohibit hiring workers who don’t fit the job description.
- Understand Job Details: Before accepting a job, clarify housing costs, living conditions, and transportation logistics.
- Be Honest: If you’re exploring multiple job offers, inform us. Accepting a job and later backing out wastes time and opportunities for others.
- Commit to the Role: Leaving early or quitting due to overtime concerns reflects poorly on you and other workers from your country. Maintain professionalism and fulfill your commitments.
Avoid Paying Placement Fees: The H-2B program is free for workers. Paying illegal fees to agencies can result in visa cancellation and legal issues. Be cautious of scams.
Why Doing the Right Thing Matters
- The H-2B Program is a privilege and an incredible opportunity. Employers invest heavily in the process, and not all petitions are approved due to high competition and regulatory caps. If you’re fortunate enough to secure a job, strive to leave a positive impression by:
- Working hard and staying reliable.
- Maintaining professionalism and integrity.
- Supporting the program’s reputation to benefit future jobseekers.
Securing an H-2B position requires effort and responsibility from both jobseekers and agencies. At e-JAM, we are committed to helping you succeed, but we ask that you value this opportunity and approach it with respect and professionalism.
Let’s make this H-2B season a success—together!
Becoming Verified: Raising the Bar on Your Job Search
Why Get e-JAM Verified?
Here are some key points, but please, please read through this whole article for full benefits!
• Get your questions answered in 1-on1 20-Minute Consultation with an e-JAM Recruiter
• Resume Critique
• Profile Photo Review
• Help uploading documents
• Profile Shared with Targeted Employee
• Early Job Alerts
• Access to Exclusive e-JAM Verified WhatsApp Group
When job hunting, standing out from the crowd can be the key to securing that dream position. So, what is e-JAM Verified?
It's a powerful tool exclusively offered by e-JAM that provides a multitude of benefits for jobseekers. But what exactly does becoming verified entail, and why is it so essential for your career journey?
Power of Verification:
Becoming verified on the e-JAM platform isn't just about getting a badge next to your name. It's about creating a professional online presence that attracts potential employers. Through the verification process, e-JAM gets to understand your aspirations, your targeted job role, and your professional background. This process is designed to ensure that the information on your resume is accurate and aligned with your career goals.
Precision and Confidence:
One of the most significant advantages of becoming verified is the assurance it provides to both job seekers and employers. Verified profiles reflect accurate job titles, precise employment dates, and detailed job duties. This accuracy ensures that your resume aligns with the positions you're applying for, making your applications more relevant and compelling to employers.
Confidence for Employers:
Employers are more likely to engage with verified candidates because they have the confidence that the information on the candidate's resume is accurate. Verified profiles help establish a level of trust, which is crucial in today's competitive job market. When your potential employer sees that you've gone the extra mile to verify your information, it signals a commitment to professionalism and honesty.
Verification Questions to Consider:
• Job Title: Is your job title accurate and reflective of your role?
• Start and End Date: Are the dates of your employment precise?
• Salary: Is your stated salary in line with industry standards?
• Job Duties: Are your job duties detailed and accurate?
• Reasons for Termination or Leaving: Is the information about why you left your previous job correct and verifiable?
• Social Media and Email: Is your online presence professional and clean?
• Updated Resume: Is your resume up-to-date and aligned with your career goals?
• Criminal Record: Have you provided information about any relevant criminal record?
Your Path to Success:
Investing in the effort to become verified is an investment in your professional future. It's a tangible way to demonstrate your commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and the pursuit of your career goals. So, why wait? Become verified today and open the door to a more promising future.
Remember at e-JAM, we're not just about jobs – we're about YOUR journey to success.
