Chadine Allen

This publication is published as part of the activities planned under the Migration and Development Civil Society Network (MADE). MADE is co-funded by the European Union.

As part of the thrust “to ensure that international migration is adequately measured, monitored and influenced to serve the development needs of Jamaica ,” the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is taking steps to mainstream international migration into its national development agenda. The link between migration and development is in line with global approaches to analyse not just the economic but also the social, environmental, and political impact of migration on countries. Therefore, the policy on… Show more

As part of the thrust “to ensure that international migration is adequately measured, monitored and influenced to serve the development needs of Jamaica ,” the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is taking steps to mainstream international migration into its national development agenda. The link between migration and development is in line with global approaches to analyse not just the economic but also the social, environmental, and political impact of migration on countries. Therefore, the policy on international migration will be aligned to other related policies and is set within the context of the development roadmap of Jamaica: Vision 2030 Jamaica - National Development Plan in making “Jamaica, the place of choice, to live, work, raise families and do business.” Show less

Migration benefits countries of origin, destination and transit as well as the migrants themselves. This paper explores theories that development leads to increased levels of migration as societies go through demographic, economic, social, cultural and even political transitions. It grounds this exploration and theoretical review in the case study of Jamaica, one of the few countries in the world that has as many nationals living outside its borders as inside.

Jamaica’s historical ties… Show more

Migration benefits countries of origin, destination and transit as well as the migrants themselves. This paper explores theories that development leads to increased levels of migration as societies go through demographic, economic, social, cultural and even political transitions. It grounds this exploration and theoretical review in the case study of Jamaica, one of the few countries in the world that has as many nationals living outside its borders as inside.

Jamaica’s historical ties to the United Kingdom (UK), involvement in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), and proximity to the United States (US) and Canada, have made migration a critical issue for the country – one of strategic importance to national development. On the one hand, migration has brought Jamaica annual remittances of 14-15 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP); returns from exports of Jamaican culture, its globally acclaimed music in particular; considerable foreign direct investment; and a year-round tourism industry that attracts millions and contributes significantly to the economy. On the other hand, migration is associated with separated families, disenfranchised segments of returnees, a net outflow of essential professional skills, and a range of human rights and social protection concerns.
Over the past several years, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has been repositioning its thinking and policy on international migration, placing it within the broader context of the national development strategy. This paper examines Jamaica’s new approach to international migration and development and critically discusses the resulting policy, planning and programming implications. As migration assumes increasing importance in global discussions on international development, the Jamaican case offers valuable input for other small developing nations facing similar challenges.

Show less