Labour Ministry warns job seekers against fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is warning the public against a fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme being advertised on social media.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said a flyer currently circulating online promoting a "Mass Recruitment Drive for Farm Work Opportunity in Canada" in Old Harbour, St Catherine, has not been authorised by the Ministry.

The Ministry reminded the public that it is the only entity in Jamaica legally authorised to recruit and dispatch Jamaican farm workers for overseas employment.

As a result, it is urging prospective job seekers to exercise extreme caution when responding to advertisements or recruitment exercises promoting overseas farm work opportunities.

The labour ministry also encouraged members of the public to verify the legitimacy of any overseas or local employment opportunity before paying any fees, submitting personal information, or accepting an offer of employment.

It warned that failing to carry out the necessary due diligence could expose individuals to fraud, identity theft and financial loss.

The Ministry advised job seekers to visit its official website, where the lists of licensed employment agencies authorised to facilitate overseas and local job placements are available.

Persons seeking clarification about overseas employment opportunities are encouraged to contact the ministry's Overseas Employment Services Unit before participating in any recruitment exercise.

The Ministry is also urging members of the public to report suspicious job advertisements or verify the legitimacy of employment opportunities by contacting the Ministry at 876-676-5806, 876-676-5748, or through its WhatsApp hotline at 876-553-5457.

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