J’cans with foreign passports now able to remain in Jamaica for 6 months
KINGSTON, Jamaica – National Security Minister Robert Montague has signed an order which will allow Jamaicans holding foreign passports to enter Jamaica and remain for six months without having to make arrangements for additional time to stay in the island.
The order became effective on August 1, according to a release from the ministry.
Previously, Jamaicans with dual nationality travelling on non-Jamaican passports would be landed as foreigners and allowed to stay in Jamaica for the period granted to that particular nationality.
Montague said the move is in keeping with the Government’s thrust to encourage Jamaican citizens in the diaspora to visit and spend more time in their home land.
“Following consultations, we implemented the 180-day allowance after Jamaicans in the diaspora expressed concern about the limited period they were allowed to stay when visiting Jamaica”, said Montague.
The estimated size of the Jamaican diaspora is between three and five million of which a significant number are holders of foreign passports.
The move is in keeping with the ministry’s five pillar plan to create a safer and more prosperous Jamaica.