Labour ministry cracking down on job scams

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has ramped up its efforts to curtail employment scams and clamp down on illegal operators involved in recruiting persons to work overseas. Twelve illegal recruitment activities have been detected so far this year by the ministry's Employment Agencies Unit. Cease and desist orders were issued to the illegal operators. In at least four cases, the operators have been ordered to refund fees to their applicants, while two cases have been referred to the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Fraud Squad for prosecution.

In a release yesterday, the ministry reminded operators that under the Employment Agencies Act, any entity intending to engage in the recruitment of workers in Jamaica, for local or overseas jobs, is required to obtain a licence from the ministry. Each licence is valid for 12 months.

In the wake of a recent upsurge in employment scams, the ministry said that it has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to employment scamming. Individuals or organisations operating without valid licences are urged to immediately cease and desist, and are encouraged to visit the ministry's offices to regularise their operations. Recruiters from overseas are encouraged to work with licensed employment agencies. Persons found operating in breach of the law may be fined $1 million and/or face up to 12 months' imprisonment.

The ministry is renewing its appeal to members of the public to ensure that they are working with licensed operators and to check the authenticity of job offers before paying over monies to recruiters. To confirm the authenticity of any offer for overseas employment or to confirm the list of employment agencies which are licensed to operate in Jamaica, persons are encouraged to contact the ministry's Employment Agencies Unit via WhatsApp at 876-553-5457 or visit the ministry's website at www.mlss.gov.jm.