KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has become the latest Caribbean nation to warn its citizens to avoid recruitment offers to participate in foreign wars or conflicts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued the warning in a press release on Wednesday amid a wider caution regarding overseas employment opportunities advertised through social media, messaging platforms and other online channels.

The Government mentioned in particular those offering unusually high salaries, travel assistance or expedited immigration arrangements.

“It has come to the Government’s attention that there are international reports of foreign nationals being recruited to participate in Russia’s war against Ukraine including through advertisements on social media,” it said.

Noting that the Government could not verify the legitimacy or authenticity of the reported overseas employment offers, it said it is however aware of international media reports of persons recruited from various countries to participate in that war, including accusations of ill-treatment of Africans and persons of African descent as well as misrepresentation of duties, difficulties in receiving payments and difficulties in returning to their home countries or onward travel.

“Jamaicans are therefore strongly encouraged to avoid such recruitment offers. The ministry further reminds that participation in foreign armed conflicts carries serious risks to personal safety including ultimately to life, and may also expose individuals to legal, immigration and consular complications,” it said.

“ The Government of Jamaica also wishes to advise that neither it, nor international humanitarian organisations can guarantee consular or humanitarian assistance or safe repatriation from active conflict zones,” the Government added.

The warning follows similar bulletins issued by the Dominican Republic.

READ: Lured to war: Caribbean men recruited by Russia with promises of work

The ministry is urging Jamaicans more widely to exercise due diligence in verifying the legitimacy of overseas employment offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before making travel arrangements or providing personal documents.

“Particular caution should be exercised where recruiters request passport information, advance payments or the signing of contracts that have not been independently verified or fully understood,” the ministry added.

Jamaicans at home who receive suspicious recruitment offers are encouraged to report the matter to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Those already overseas who believe they have been misled or coerced into military service should seek assistance from the nearest Jamaican diplomatic or consular mission, where it is safe to do so.

Persons may consult the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s list of licensed employment agencies at www.mlss.gov.jm or contact its Employment Agencies Unit to seek verification of overseas employment opportunities.