JAMAICA: H and J Workshop Is Worth the Flight to Jamaica

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINGSTON 000058 SIPDIS DEPT FOR CA/FPP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS KFRD KCRM CMGT JM SUBJECT: JAMAICA: H and J Workshop Is Worth the Flight to Jamaica REF: 09 KINGSTON 1142 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: U.S. Embassy Kingston ranks amongst the top 10 posts worldwide in terms of volume for H-2B applicants. Kingston also ranks within the top 10 posts worldwide for fraud activity. In an effort to reach out to local employment agents, and combat fraud, Kingston's Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU) paired with the Jamaican Ministry of Labor to host a workshop on important employment-based consular issues, namely H-2B visas, J-1 visas, and the Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Act. -------------- -------------- Workshop Gets Permanent Secretary's Attention -------------- -------------- ¶2. (U) On January 14, Kingston FPU, accompanied by the Nonimmigrant Visa Chief, visited the Ministry of Labor to present information to registered Jamaican employment agents. The workshop attracted about 80 participants, notably including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Alvin McIntosh, who welcomed the group and attended the majority of the presentations. Agents, who arrange for Jamaicans to obtain H-2B and J-1 employment in the U.S., traveled from throughout Jamaica with two agents flying down from their offices in the U.S. in order to participate. One agent who had flown down from Maine noted that the workshop was well worth the flight. The purpose of the workshop was to inform the agents of visa processes and requirements and to allow networking among agents and with the U.S. Embassy staff. The presentations included information about visa interviews and appointments, the H-2B petition process, the H-2B Final Rule, J-1 summer work and travel visa requirements, and the Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Act. -------------- -------------- -------------- Securing Cooperation on Wilberforce Education and Enforcement -------------- -------------- -------------- ¶3. (U) This workshop was well-targeted; registered agents are the intermediaries between Jamaicans and U.S. employers, and are in the position to best assist the U.S. Embassy with disseminating information on visas and workers' rights. A significant portion of this workshop focused on education about the Wilberforce Act, and the rights of H-2B and J-1 workers. In the vein of cooperation and improvement, the agents agreed to review, share, and promote awareness of visa issues, specifically the Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Act, with their clients. -------------- -------------- Interactive Presentations Encouraged Discussions -------------- -------------- ¶4. (U) Throughout the presentations, Emboffs encouraged questions and comments from the audience, which led to meaningful discussions and promises for future cooperation and information sharing. Specifically, the open style of presentation allowed agents to candidly discuss adjudication procedures for H-2B applicants, who had numerous extensions, as well as current fee regulations. Also, agents volunteered information about fees charged for J-1 applicants and frustrations with the quality of some U.S.-based J-1 KINGSTON 00000058 002 OF 002 summer work and travel sponsors. (Comment: The J-1 summer work and travel program is an excellent exchange program between the U.S. and Jamaica; in 2009 approximately 4,000 Jamaicans participated and, according to validation study results, the vast majority travel well on their visas. Reftel 09 Kingston 1142. End Comment.) Lastly, agents were forthcoming about the extent of their services, and shared their own best practices with Emboffs and their colleagues. ¶5. (U) In order to assist Kingston FPU with identifying and cataloguing agents, all agents agreed to email the embassy with their contact information, lists of their current employees (who may visit the embassy to drop off applications),and information about their fees and services. -------------- -------------- Agents Complimentary of Embassy Procedures -------------- -------------- ¶6. (U) Emboffs were encouraged by compliments from the agents regarding the new appointment system and current H-2B procedures. Several participants advised that they had been registered agents for five to ten years and noted that the appointment system, in particular, greatly improved the application process. Agents appreciate the group appointment system, which helps streamline their efforts, as well as the ability to drop off H-2B applications the day before interviews. Emboffs offered to continue to build on our partnership with the Ministry of Labor to ensure that registered agents are aware of any upcoming changes to procedures or visa regulations. ¶7. (U) CONCLUSION: The H-2B, J-1, and Wilberforce workshop jointly hosted by Kingston FPU and the Jamaican Ministry of Labor was a great success. The workshop allowed Emboffs to present valuable information on visa processing, while also encouraging greater cooperation and partnerships between the agents, the Ministry, and the embassy. Kingston FPU is confident that this workshop will significantly advance our goals to reach our target audience for employment-related consular issues, visa procedures, and workers' rights. Parnell