In 2024, Jamaica saw an increase in the number of aliens registered in the country. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) reported data in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ) report.
Immigration Trends
The number of aliens registered in Jamaica reached 10,146 in 2024. This represents a 19% increase from the 8,523 registered in 2023.
The PIOJ report also highlighted that Asians accounted for the largest portion of individuals requesting an extension of stay beyond six months, at 46.6%. Caribbean nationals followed, with 18.6% of requests, and Latin Americans accounted for 12.8%.
Immigration attorney Nadine Atkinson-Flowers discussed the reasons for these extension requests.
“A lot of those seeking extensions in Jamaica are likely doing so on work permits. If you are not a CARICOM national or have other Jamaican connection, just like with every other country, you cannot come to ours and just decide that you’re going to work. So a lot of the number may well be persons seeking extensions on work permits.”
Atkinson-Flowers elaborated on the types of employment held by those seeking extensions.
“From our eye survey, we do see a lot of persons from Asian descent in the country in various categories of employment – construction, persons involved in car repairs. So I believe that is probably where a lot of persons are seeking extensions on work permits,”
The number of Commonwealth citizens migrating to Jamaica also increased, rising by 26% from 2,861 in 2023 to 3,630 in 2024.
Emigration Trends
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom continue to be the primary destinations for Jamaican migrants. Migration to the US saw a 30.2% increase in 2023 compared to 2022.
However, migration to Canada experienced a decrease of 14.4% compared to 2023. Atkinson-Flowers attributed this shift to changes in Canadian immigration policies.
“Canada is tightening its requirements. For example, some years ago, you could go to Canada as a student and there’s a path to become a permanent resident. The Government of Canada has tightened that particular path significantly. So that may account for the decrease,”
Then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada's decision to reduce immigration and temporary foreign worker approvals in October 2024.
Atkinson-Flowers noted the continued appeal of the United States as a destination for Jamaicans.
“You can come to the US and start out as a student and end up as a citizen. So I would think that increase probably speaks to the continuing view of our countrymen that the United States is a great destination of choice. A lot of our persons who come to the States come via what we call family migration … work purposes and school,”
Citizenship
In 2024, 2,875 Jamaicans were granted citizenship by naturalisation or registration. This reflects a 45.1% increase compared to 2023.
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