Employee Resources
Your Gateway to Opportunities
Jamaica is home to over 300,000 overseas workers, whose remittances contribute approximately 9% of the national GDP. In 2022, remittances from overseas workers amounted to nearly $3 billion USD. The Jamaican Central Labour Organization (JCLO) is committed to empowering Jamaican workers through quality employment opportunities both at home and abroad. Working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and the Overseas Employment Department (OED), JCLO ensures that every worker receives the training, guidance, and protection they deserve. Our Commitment to Jamaican Workers:
- Comprehensive Support: JCLO provides tailored support for current workers and aspiring job seekers, including free pre-departure orientations, skills training, and ongoing legal and welfare assistance once overseas.
- Ethical Overseas Recruitment: The Overseas Employment Department operates under strict government guidelines to protect Jamaican workers. Every placement is vetted to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and compliance with international labor standards.
Stay informed with regular updates on policy changes, rights under Jamaican law, and support for any issues encountered abroad. Our liaison officers work directly with employers and international partners to resolve concerns swiftly and protect your rights.
Connect with fellow Jamaican workers overseas through our community initiatives and events.
The Overseas Employment Department, a vital arm of MLSS, has been instrumental in facilitating ethical recruitment and safe placements for Jamaican workers. In recent years, the OED has processed over 10,000 applications annually, ensuring that all opportunities meet our rigorous standards for worker protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
If for any reason you believe that your salary calculation is incorrect, please contact the Human Resources Department or your supervisor/employer immediately. Remember to contact your liaison officer also and include a copy of your pay advice.
If you are injured on the job, you must alert your supervisor or manager immediately. Look around to see if there are other workers present who may have witnessed the accident/injury and make a note. Please contact your liaison officer as soon as you are safe to do so. Your liaison officer will be able to monitor your care and assist with managing your records. Make all appointments for care. If asked to return to work, please comply. If unable to work advise your supervisor so that adjustments can be made. Communicate respectfully no matter what or however difficult the situation may be.
There are many reasons why someone might miss a flight therefore this solution can only be determined on a case by case scenario.
Speak with your employer and liaison officer to determine how to proceed.
The work visa reflects the work contract; therefore, the end dates are the same. Generally, the law provides an extra 10 days for the worker to make his way out of the country. You may not work during this period. This period allows the worker to pack, coordinate and ship belongings and then proceed to the airport for the return home. In the event that the worker is seeking an extension, a period of 30 days from the end of the first contract is given. In such instances the new employer should provide a receipt indicating that an extension has been filed on behalf of the worker. If during this window approval is not granted the worker should return home immediately. Please contact your liaison officer when in doubt.
The I-94 is a legal document. It is required:
- When applying for your Social Security Number
- When applying for health insurance
- When applying for a driver’s license
- When applying for an extension of stay
- It establishes your legal presence in the United States
- If your presence is questioned this document becomes necessary
- This document must be kept in your wallet or purse at all times.
The I-94 is proof of your legal entry in the United States. It also documents the period of stay that has been granted by the US authorities. When the United States (US) grants permission for someone to legally enter the country, an I-94 is issued. It is no longer a card issued at the airport or filled out on flights. This document is retrieved by visiting the Homeland Security Website at www.cbp.gov. Please note that customs officials can make mistakes when entering this document. It is therefore crucial to look at what is stamped in your passport before leaving the arrival section at the airport. Ensure the correct year is stamped in your passport. Make sure the correct work visa designation is assigned. Make sure the date written in by the officer is also correct and covers the contract period of the work visa.
If you lose your passport early in the season you may have time to apply for a new one through the Embassy of Jamaica or one of the Consulates located in your area. Your liaison officer can guide you. If time does not allow, the Consulate nearest to you can issue a temporary emergency passport to allow you to safely return home. Talk with your liaison officer, he or she will be able to guide you through the process.
If you feel terribly ill, please call 911, especially if it’s an emergency, every minute counts. Even if you don’t have health insurance calling an ambulance could make all the difference in preserving your life. If you feel strong enough, but have concerns, arrange a visit to your primary physician, visit the nearby clinic or go to the Emergency Room. If the illness is not serious, feel free to talk with the liaison officer assigned to your area. Ignoring symptoms because you do not have the money to go a doctor is unwise. What could be a minor issue at the time may become a more serious issue over time.
In case of emergencies—whether health-related or a family crisis in Jamaica—contact your liaison officer immediately. JCLO will:
• Coordinate with your employer and relevant authorities
• Monitor your safe repatriation and return
• Maintain precise records of your movements for both safety and regulatory purposes
If you encounter any problems at work—whether related to injuries, salary errors, or interpersonal conflicts—report the matter immediately to your employer and notify your liaison officer. JCLO is committed to ensuring that your overseas employment is safe, respectful, and in full compliance with legal standards.
Your liaison officer serves as your first point of contact for all program-related matters. They are responsible for:
• Monitoring your well-being and employment status
• Assisting you with appointments and documentation (e.g., I-94, passport issues)
• Mediating any conflicts or concerns between you and your employer
• Coordinating emergency procedures or repatriation if needed
For any issues or concerns, please reach out immediately to your assigned liaison officer, who is part of the JCLO network. Their contact information is provided in your program documentation. In urgent situations, follow the established emergency contact procedures as outlined in your welcome packet.
JCLO provides a variety of services, including:
• Monitoring your health and safety while overseas
• Assisting with accurate record-keeping of your travel and employment details
• Guiding you through any issues related to work injuries, salary discrepancies, or personal conflicts
• Coordinating with local authorities and your employer in emergencies or for repatriation purposes
Employee Resources
Your Gateway to Opportunities
Jamaica is home to over 300,000 overseas workers, whose remittances contribute approximately 9% of the national GDP. In 2022, remittances from overseas workers amounted to nearly $3 billion USD. The Jamaican Central Labour Organization (JCLO) is committed to empowering Jamaican workers through quality employment opportunities both at home and abroad. Working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and the Overseas Employment Department (OED), JCLO ensures that every worker receives the training, guidance, and protection they deserve.
Our Commitment to Jamaican Workers:
- Comprehensive Support: JCLO provides tailored support for current workers and aspiring job seekers, including free pre-departure orientations, skills training, and ongoing legal and welfare assistance once overseas.
- Ethical Overseas Recruitment: The Overseas Employment Department operates under strict government guidelines to protect Jamaican workers. Every placement is vetted to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and compliance with international labor standards.
Stay informed with regular updates on policy changes, rights under Jamaican law, and support for any issues encountered abroad. Our Liaison Officers work directly with employers and international partners to resolve concerns swiftly and protect your rights.
Connect with fellow Jamaican workers overseas through our community initiatives and events.
The Overseas Employment Department, a vital arm of MLSS, has been instrumental in facilitating ethical recruitment and safe placements for Jamaican workers. In recent years, the OED has processed over 10,000 applications annually, ensuring that all opportunities meet our rigorous standards for worker protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
If for any reason you believe that your salary calculation is incorrect, please contact the Human Resources Department or your supervisor/employer immediately. Remember to contact your liaison officer also and include a copy of your pay advice.
If you are injured on the job, you must alert your supervisor or manager immediately. Look around to see if there are other workers present who may have witnessed the accident/injury and make a note. Please contact your liaison officer as soon as you are safe to do so. Your liaison officer will be able to monitor your care and assist with managing your records. Make all appointments for care. If asked to return to work, please comply. If unable to work advise your supervisor so that adjustments can be made. Communicate respectfully no matter what or however difficult the situation may be.
There are many reasons why someone might miss a flight therefore this solution can only be determined on a case by case scenario.
Speak with your employer and liaison officer to determine how to proceed.
The work visa reflects the work contract; therefore, the end dates are the same. Generally, the law provides an extra 10 days for the worker to make his way out of the country. You may not work during this period. This period allows the worker to pack, coordinate and ship belongings and then proceed to the airport for the return home. In the event that the worker is seeking an extension, a period of 30 days from the end of the first contract is given. In such instances the new employer should provide a receipt indicating that an extension has been filed on behalf of the worker. If during this window approval is not granted the worker should return home immediately. Please contact your liaison officer when in doubt.
The I-94 is a legal document. It is required:
- When applying for your Social Security Number
- When applying for health insurance
- When applying for a driver’s license
- When applying for an extension of stay
- It establishes your legal presence in the United States
- If your presence is questioned this document becomes necessary
- This document must be kept in your wallet or purse at all times.
The I-94 is proof of your legal entry in the United States. It also documents the period of stay that has been granted by the US authorities. When the United States (US) grants permission for someone to legally enter the country, an I-94 is issued. It is no longer a card issued at the airport or filled out on flights. This document is retrieved by visiting the Homeland Security Website at www.cbp.gov. Please note that customs officials can make mistakes when entering this document. It is therefore crucial to look at what is stamped in your passport before leaving the arrival section at the airport. Ensure the correct year is stamped in your passport. Make sure the correct work visa designation is assigned. Make sure the date written in by the officer is also correct and covers the contract period of the work visa.
If you lose your passport early in the season you may have time to apply for a new one through the Embassy of Jamaica or one of the Consulates located in your area. Your liaison officer can guide you. If time does not allow, the Consulate nearest to you can issue a temporary emergency passport to allow you to safely return home. Talk with your liaison officer, he or she will be able to guide you through the process.
If you feel terribly ill, please call 911, especially if it’s an emergency, every minute counts. Even if you don’t have health insurance calling an ambulance could make all the difference in preserving your life. If you feel strong enough, but have concerns, arrange a visit to your primary physician, visit the nearby clinic or go to the Emergency Room. If the illness is not serious, feel free to talk with the liaison officer assigned to your area. Ignoring symptoms because you do not have the money to go a doctor is unwise. What could be a minor issue at the time may become a more serious issue over time.
In case of emergencies—whether health-related or a family crisis in Jamaica—contact your liaison officer immediately. JCLO will:
• Coordinate with your employer and relevant authorities
• Monitor your safe repatriation and return
• Maintain precise records of your movements for both safety and regulatory purposes
If you encounter any problems at work—whether related to injuries, salary errors, or interpersonal conflicts—report the matter immediately to your employer and notify your liaison officer. JCLO is committed to ensuring that your overseas employment is safe, respectful, and in full compliance with legal standards.
Your liaison officer serves as your first point of contact for all program-related matters. They are responsible for:
• Monitoring your well-being and employment status
• Assisting you with appointments and documentation (e.g., I-94, passport issues)
• Mediating any conflicts or concerns between you and your employer
• Coordinating emergency procedures or repatriation if needed
For any issues or concerns, please reach out immediately to your assigned liaison officer, who is part of the JCLO network. Their contact information is provided in your program documentation. In urgent situations, follow the established emergency contact procedures as outlined in your welcome packet.
JCLO provides a variety of services, including:
• Monitoring your health and safety while overseas
• Assisting with accurate record-keeping of your travel and employment details
• Guiding you through any issues related to work injuries, salary discrepancies, or personal conflicts
• Coordinating with local authorities and your employer in emergencies or for repatriation purposes
