Chinese nationals accounted for the largest number of work permits granted to foreign workers in Jamaica during 2025, maintaining a trend that has continued for several years, according to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica.

The report stated that 2,441 permits were issued to Chinese nationals, well ahead of Indian nationals, who received 882 permits, and Cubans, who were granted 307. The institute noted that Chinese workers have consistently represented the largest group of work permit recipients each year.

Under the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act, 1964, foreign nationals must obtain approval from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security before taking up employment in Jamaica.

The ministry received 5,701 work permit applications during 2025, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared with the previous year. Of that total, 2,972 were renewal applications, representing a decline of 3.5 per cent, while new applications increased 6.1 per cent to 2,729.

“The majority of work permit applications, 96.6 per cent or 5,509, were approved, with 79.3 per cent issued to males,” the PIOJ said.

Wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, accounted for the highest number of approved permits with 2,258. Construction followed with 1,120 approvals, while the accommodation and food service sector received 607.

The report also showed that Asian nationals received 64.9 per cent of all approved work permits, while workers from Latin America accounted for 13.5 per cent.

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