The number of registered aliens in Jamaica increased by 19% in 2024, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). The agency reported in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ) report that registered aliens rose from 8,523 in 2023 to 10,146 in 2024.
Migration Patterns
Asians accounted for 46.6% of the registered aliens in Jamaica, making them the largest group requesting extensions of stay. Immigration attorney Nadine Atkinson-Flowers offered her expert opinion on this trend.
“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 also noted the presence of Asians in various employment sectors.
“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 PIOJ also indicated that Commonwealth citizens migrating to Jamaica increased by 26% in 2024, moving from 2,861 to 3,630.
Emigration Trends
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom remained the primary destinations for Jamaican migrants. Migration to the US increased by 30.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, with "Immediate Relatives to US Citizens" and "Family Sponsored Preferences" as the primary categories. Atkinson-Flowers suggests that the US remains a popular choice 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.”
Conversely, there was a 14.4% decrease in migrants granted permanent resident status in Canada in 2024. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada reduced immigration and temporary foreign worker approvals in October 2024. According to Atkinson-Flowers, this tightening of requirements may contribute to the decrease.
“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.”
Citizenship granted to Jamaicans by naturalization or registration increased by 45.1% in 2024.
Jamaica News Bulletin is your premier source for the best in Jamaican news
