Jamaica to launch regularization process for Dominicans with irregular immigration status

Jamaica.- The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica has announced a major diplomatic breakthrough: the Jamaican government has agreed to launch a regularization process for Dominican citizens living in the country without legal immigration status. This marks the culmination of persistent diplomatic efforts with high-level Jamaican authorities, particularly the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Ministry of National Security.

Although Jamaica gave initial consent over a year ago, formal approval was only achieved recently after continuous engagement by the Dominican Embassy. Dominican Ambassador Angie Martínez described the move as a humanitarian and strategic victory, aligned with the country’s foreign policy priorities of protecting the rights and dignity of Dominicans abroad.

More than 2,000 Dominicans reside in Jamaica, particularly in areas like Montego Bay, working in sectors such as tourism, construction, and hospitality. The regularization process will allow eligible individuals to apply for legal status with technical and legal support from the Dominican Embassy.

This diplomatic achievement joins a series of milestones accomplished during Martínez’s tenure, including:

• Visa-free entry for Dominicans traveling to Jamaica for tourism or business

• Direct flights between Santo Domingo and Kingston

• A significant increase in Dominican exports to Jamaica

• New foreign investment from Jamaican companies

• Trade agreements opening Jamaican and Bahamian markets to Dominican agricultural products

As Ambassador Martínez concludes her mission, the Embassy has committed to continuing support for Dominicans in Jamaica and the Bahamas, upholding a foreign policy rooted in human dignity, community outreach, and sustainable development.