Farm workers get access to health insurance coverage

 

Farm workers travelling to the United States under the government's Overseas Employment Programme will now have access to health insurance coverage. 

 

This shift comes as the government moves to implement a new measure, aimed at strengthening support for seasonal overseas employees. 

 

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. made the announcement during his presentation in the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

 

"Beginning this week...workers travelling to the United States will have the option of insurance coverage under the United Work and Travel Policy with The Hartford, which is another new element providing up to US$100,000 in protection, including serious illness, death and dismemberment. Our workers and their family deserve opportunity and security," he asserted.

 

He said educational benefits will also be provided for participating parents.

 

"We are providing also 60 scholarships to children of participating farm workers. This is more than recognition for the 60th anniversary. This is an investment in the next generation, turning sacrifice into opportunity through education. Recruitment for the 2027 season will begin immediately. Letters are issued out or will be issued to Members of Parliament today, requesting nominations of your 50 participants per constituency. And I ask this year that up to five of those nominations be for female candidates," the minister urged.

 

Meanwhile, for Jamaicans facing the sudden job losses, financial relief may soon be close at hand with the payments under the government's unemployment insurance potentially becoming available within two years.

 

In May 2025, Cabinet approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

 

Minister Charles Jr. also provided an update on the progress of implementation during his sectoral presentation.

 

"Following Cabinet approval last year, we submitted drafting instructions in December. Consultants will be onboarded. We are moving at a pace. And those consultants will contribute during this year to making sure that the unemployment insurance moves forward so eligible workers can receive their benefits within the next two years. We are also finalising, Mr. Speaker, Jamaica's Decent Work Country Programme with ILO," he announced.

 

The unemployment insurance benefit will serve as a guaranteed protection for employees who contribute to the NIS except for self-employed persons.