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The United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers is urging Jamaica to modernise 'outdated' immigration laws that continue to penalise migrant workers and their families.
In its latest findings, the Committee commended Jamaica for making strides in combating human trafficking and ratifying international protections for domestic workers.
The country's Vision 2030 National Development Plan was also highlighted as a positive step in addressing immigration and brain drain.
But the Committee expressed concern over some laws that criminalise irregular migration and the absence of proper legal safeguards.
The report calls for Jamaican authorities to fast-track legal reforms and bring migration-related laws in line with international standards.
Among the recommendations, decriminalising irregular migration, ending discriminatory provisions against migrants with disabilities, and phasing out immigration detention, especially the separation of children from undocumented migrant parents.
The UN Committee also encouraged Jamaica to expand social security agreements with countries that host its migrant workforce to better protect their rights both at home and abroad.
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