About the Migration Governance Indicators
About the Migration Governance Indicators
Migrants' rights
Migrants' rights

Indicators in this domain assess the extent to which migrants have the same status as citizens in terms of access to basic social services such as health, education, and social security. It also describes the rights of migrants to family reunification, to work, and to residency and citizenship. The ratification of the main international conventions is also included within this domain.

Indicators in this category look at the extent to which migrants have access to certain social services such as health, education and social security. They also examine measures to ensure integration and access to work.

Whole of government approach
Whole of government approach

Indicators in this domain assess countries’ institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks related to migration policies. Domain 2 also reviews the existence of national migration strategies that are in-line with development, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in relation to migration management. This domain also investigates the extent to which governments collect and use migration data.

Indicators in this category assess the institutional frameworks of cities for migration. This area also examines the existence of migration strategies consistent with development objectives, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in migration management.

Partnerships
Partnerships

This domain focuses on countries’ efforts to cooperate on migration-related issues with other states and with relevant non-governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector. Cooperation can lead to improvements in governance by aligning and raising standards, increasing dialogue and providing structures to overcome challenges.

Indicators in this category focus on cities’ efforts to cooperate on migration issues with the national government as well as other cities and relevant non-governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector.

Well-being of migrants
Well-being of migrants

This domain includes indicators on countries’ policies for managing the socioeconomic well-being of migrants, through aspects such as the recognition of migrants’ educational and professional qualifications, provisions regulating student migration and the existence of bilateral labour agreements between countries. Indicators equally focus on policies and strategies related to diaspora engagement and migrant remittances.

Indicators in this category assess cities’ initiatives in terms of international student mobility, access to the labour market and decent working conditions for migrant workers. Aspects related to diaspora engagement and migrant remittances are also included in this domain.

Mobility dimensions of crises
Mobility dimensions of crises

This domain studies the type and level of preparedness of countries when they are faced with mobility dimensions of crises, linked to either disasters, the environment and/or conflict. The questions are used to identify the processes in place for nationals and non-nationals both during and after disasters, including whether humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants as it is to citizens.

Indicators in this category examine the type and level of readiness of cities to deal with aspects of mobility crises. The questions focus on the processes in place for citizens and non-citizens both during and after disasters, especially if humanitarian assistance is available for migrants and citizens.

Safe, orderly and regular migration
Safe, orderly and regular migration

This domain analyses countries’ approach to migration management in terms of border control and enforcement policies, admission criteria for migrants, preparedness and resilience in the case of significant and unexpected migration flows, as well as the fight against trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants. It also assesses efforts and incentives to help integrate returning citizens.

Indicators in this category look at the cities’ approaches to migrant safety as well as return and reintegration policies and the fight against trafficking in persons.

Key findings
Introduction

This country Profile describes examples of well-developed areas of Jamaica’s migration governance structures and areas with potential for further development, as evaluated through the six domains of the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI). These address migrants’ rights, a “whole-of-government” approach, partnerships, socioeconomic well-being of migrants, the mobility dimensions of crises, and safe and orderly migration.

Click the icons on the wheel to explore the key findings.

The Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) initiative is a policy-benchmarking programme led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and implemented with research and analysis from the Economist Intelligence Unit. Funding is provided by IOM Member States. 

 

Key findings
MIGRANTS’ RIGHTS

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • All migrants in Jamaica have the same access to government-funded health services as citizens
  • The National Policy on International Migration and Development acknowledges the need to provide health care to groups such as undocumented migrants, refugees or displaced persons.
  • Migrants can access the National Insurance Scheme that is available to employed persons, self-employed persons and voluntary contributors. 

Areas with potential for further development: 

  • Foreigners on a visitor’s permit must leave the country before applying for a work permit. 
  • Citizens of Jamaica that live abroad cannot vote in national elections. 

     
Key findings
Whole of Government Approach

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • The National Policy on International Migration and Development integrates international migration into the planning processes for the development and well-being of Jamaicans in the country and abroad. 
  • The National Working Group on International Migration and Development coordinates inter-agency and non-governmental actions in relation to migration and development.
  • The Diaspora Affairs Department’s develops and strengthens the linkages between the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora. 
  • The Statistical Institute of Jamaica publishes annual disaggregated data (by age and sex) on migration.  
Key findings
Partnerships

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • Jamaica’s Human Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Training Agency provides technical and vocational education and training to nationals and the certifications then issued are recognized within the Caribbean Community.
  • Jamaica formally engages with civil society, the private sector and the diaspora in agenda setting and the implementation of migration-related initiatives through the National Working Group on International Migration and Development.  
  • Relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade implement the Plan of Action for the reintegration of returning migrants in collaboration with civil society organizations.

Areas with potential for further development: 

  • Jamaica does not have policies or programmes in place to ensure the ethical recruitment of migrant workers.
Key findings
Well-being of migrants

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • The Jamaican government implements programmes to promote the financial inclusion of migrants and their families, particularly when they are remittance senders and/or receivers.
  • The University Council of Jamaica certifies the quality of foreign credentials.
  • Jamaica has bilateral labour agreements with the United States and Canada on low- and semi-skilled labour migration from Jamaica to these countries

Areas with potential for further development: 

  • There are no different visa categories to attract specific labour skills.
  • The Ministry of Labour and Social Security collects information on the number of work permits granted and labour market trends but this information is not published.
Key findings
Mobility dimensions of crises

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • The Government of Jamaica assists nationals living abroad in times of crisis.
  • The Government of Jamaica grants stay extensions as needed to Caribbean Community nationals whose countries are experiencing crises. 

Areas with potential for further development: 

  • The Government of Jamaica does not have a strategy with specific measures to provide assistance to migrants during crisis and post-crisis phases. 
  • There are no contingency plans to manage large-scale movements in times of crisis.
Key findings
Safe, orderly and regular migration

Migration Governance: examples of well-developed areas

  • The Jamaica Customs Agency allows duty concessions on personal and household effects for diaspora members wishing to return.
  • A national action plan stipulating the sanctions for offenders and the  type of assistance to be provided to victims of trafficking, guides the Government’s efforts to counter human trafficking.
  • The Government has a border management system in place which automatically records persons whose immigration status has expired. 

Areas with potential for further development: 

  • The National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons does not publish data on counter-trafficking activities on a regular basis. 
  • The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency does not have a fully online system for visa applications; hence the process is done via email.

2019 December

Migration Governance Profile: Jamaica