Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1962)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report.

1. The Committee notes the Caribbean Community (Free Movement) of Skilled Persons Act 1997 by which a select group of migrants, skilled or professional, from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member States, are not required to apply for work permits before being eligible to work in Jamaica for an indefinite period. The Committee notes that the abovementioned Act allows for the implementation of the free movement of university graduates and other approved categories, such as musicians, artists, sports persons and media workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the impact of this Act and of any other development regarding the categories of workers involved. It also would be grateful if the Government would state how the current trends in migration flows have affected the content and implementation of its national migratory policy and legislation.

2. In view of the growing role of private agencies in the international migration process, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would state the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to regulate the activities of private agencies or encourage self-regulation in order to protect migrant workers from any abuse and misleading advertising. The Committee also would appreciate it if the Government would supply further details on sanctions and penalties for infringement.

3. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on Jamaican nationals working abroad as well as on the number and origin of foreigners employed in Jamaica, and to communicate the results, if any, of the relevant activities of the labour inspection services, as well as those of the Jamaicans Overseas Department, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.