Diaspora Policy

This chapter delves into the economic, political and social effects migration has had on aspects of the Jamaica’s foreign policy. It traces the early patterns from migration to Latin America in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for work on agricultural plantations, to early twentieth century and post-World War II migration to the United States and United Kingdom respectively. The discussion examines some of the policy implications of this relatively large diaspora population on the Jamaican economy and notes the large inflows of private remittances to the country. One effect is that the diaspora contributes to almost a quarter of the country’s GDP. On the other hand, there is concern that this high rate may cause lower productivity and a culture of dependence on the local recipients. At the other end of the spectrum, this chapter discusses the country’s concern with the high levels of professionals leaving the Jamaican workforce to work overseas. This does not include short term migrant farm or hotel workers who eventually return to Jamaica. The discussion considers the Jamaican government’s dilemma to implement any policy options to realistically or sustainably reduce this brain drain. This chapter also investigates the implications of migration on issues of governance and elections. It discusses the notion of dual nationality and whether it is feasible to make arrangements for Jamaicans living in the diaspora to participate in elections at home. Finally, this chapter explores perspectives on the repatriation agenda of some Rastafarians.