Jamaica warns of crackdown as scams target overseas farm work programme

The Jamaican Government has signaled a crackdown on fraud and misrepresentation surrounding the Overseas Employment Programme, amid growing concerns that the highly sought-after initiative is being exploited by unauthorized actors online.

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Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said the government is moving decisively to protect the integrity of the programme after receiving reports of individuals falsely using his image and name to promote illegal recruitment schemes on social media platforms.

Charles disclosed that he recently received an anonymous WhatsApp message containing a TikTok video of himself, which was being circulated with instructions for viewers to contact him directly to access the overseas farm work programme. He said similar messages have been sent to him in the past and warned that such activity will not be tolerated.

The minister said he was scheduled to meet with the Permanent Secretary on Tuesday, January 6, to address the issue and coordinate action with relevant authorities, stressing that anyone operating outside the law should consider the warning final.

He was speaking at a send-off ceremony for seasonal agricultural workers departing for Canada, held at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre on East Street in downtown Kingston.

Charles underscored the importance of the programme, particularly as many Jamaicans continue to recover from the economic fallout of Hurricane Melissa, which recently affected several parishes in western Jamaica. He said lawful overseas employment remains a critical lifeline for families and communities across the island.

A total of 183 farm workers were scheduled to depart for Canada over two days, with 98 leaving on Tuesday and another 85 departing from Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday. Of that group, 22 workers are participating in the programme for the first time.

The minister also noted that 2026 marks 60 years of partnership between Jamaica and Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, describing it as one of the country’s most enduring and impactful labour arrangements. He pointed out that many participants have been able to finance their children’s tertiary education through earnings from the programme.

Charles encouraged departing workers to remain focused and disciplined, warning that distractions and negative influences can jeopardize their opportunities. He also urged experienced participants to mentor newer workers and help guide them through the process.

The Overseas Employment Programme continues to expand, according to official figures. Since January 1, 2025, a total of 15,156 Jamaicans have secured employment opportunities in Canada and the United States—an increase of 687 workers compared to 2024.

Of that total, 59 per cent participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, three per cent in the Low-Skilled Programme, and 38 per cent in the United States Programme.

Charles said the figures reflect more than numerical growth, emphasizing that overseas employment has played a direct role in supporting households and strengthening communities nationwide, even as the government moves to safeguard the programme from abuse.