Jamaicans may relocate for new educational or employment opportunities, to be closer to family, or for increased personal security. Choosing a destination is serious business and people should thoroughly research their destination before immigrating.
Some countries have a low cost of living, but work is hard to find. Others have excellent health care, but an ER wait can be as long as 10 hours. Below are the top 23 countries Jamaicans immigrated to between 1990 and 2022 by numbers.
United States
Education and employment opportunities are the two main reasons to move to the US. The nation is a major economic player on the world stage and has great diversity in jobs, land and recreational opportunities. It is difficult to approximate the cost of living as it fluctuates widely from country to country. A total of 767,076 Jamaicans immigrated to the US (Note that this is an official number as the unofficial number is closer to
United Kingdom
There is a Jamaican expatriate population of 178,460 in the UK and many use the UK as a jumping off point to Canada. Employment opportunities are plentiful for English speakers, the crime rate is generally low, and health care is mostly free. Housing costs vary widely, depending on location, everyone gets four weeks paid holiday and work opportunities are plentiful, especially in the south, if an individual has a visa or working holiday visa.
Canada
The country has a Jamaican immigrant population of 149,751 and extensive employment opportunities. It features a universal health care system, educational opportunities, low crime rates, and abundant livelihood opportunities. The country has one of the best levels of air and water quality in the world.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands and Jamaica have always been linked due to their geographical proximity and their colonial past. The Cayman Islands were once a dependency of the Crown Colony of Jamaica and were treated as parishes. This ended in 1962, when the Cayman Islands became a separate Crown Colony while Jamaica became an independent Commonwealth country. Over 40 percent of all work permit holders in Grand Cayman are from Jamaica. Also over 40% of Caymanians are of Jamaican descent. There is no direct tax in the Cayman Islands and it is a thriving offshore financial centre. Finance and Tourism are the 2 main industries on the island and offer great employment opportunities. There are approximately 17,518 Jamaican expatriates living in the Cayman Islands.
Bahamas
A total of 8,403 Jamaicans have relocated to the Bahamas. A laid-back lifestyle, excellent schools, and building codes that dramatically increase hurricane safety are the benefits of living in the Bahamas. Most apartments are furnished, there is no income tax and the funds go further.
Antigua and Barbuda
The island nation is home to 4,389 Jamaicans. The country has a stable currency pegged to the US dollar, access to international cities, a low crime rate, and immigrants pay no taxes on foreign-source income.
Trinidad and Tobago
The country has 1,926 Jamaican immigrants, free public health care and free education for ages 5 to 16. Housing availability and costs vary across the country, but unemployment rates are low and the economy is growing.
Germany
A booming economy and job market, 30 days of vacation and a low cost of living compared to other European countries all combine to welcome 1,572 Jamaicans. There are many public holidays to celebrate and generous benefits for families.
Australia
Low crime rates, open spaces and an alluring year-round climate are found in Australia, home to 1,493 Jamaicans. The country, which is also a continent, has stunning scenery, great beaches and a wealth of industries for those looking for employment and educational opportunities.
Netherlands
One of the most attractive elements of the Netherlands, colloquially known as Holland, is an excellent work-life balance. The average work week is just over 30 hours, generous vacation days are offered, and a variety of recreational opportunities are available, leading to 1,282 Jamaicans emigrating there.
Barbados
The 1,015 Jamaicans living in the country enjoy a stable economy with steady growth and low inflation. The infrastructure is well developed, there is a wide variety of recreational activities and festivities throughout the year, world class golf courses and outside the main hurricane belt.
St. Lucia
A total of 940 Jamaicans moved to St. Lucia where the cost of living is low, they are close to the US and there are no worldwide asset or income taxes. Individuals can obtain a Saint Lucia passport that grants them access to over 140 countries, including those in the EU, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Switzerland
Internationally renowned schools, a stable economy and government, low crime rates and one of the best healthcare systems in the world lured 794 Jamaicans to migrate there. Wages are much higher than in other parts of the world.
Panama
Politically stable, Panama features quality medical care, a low cost of living and no overseas income taxes for residents. Panamanians are friendly, accepting of foreigners, and the country is safer than many others in Central America, prompting 783 Jamaicans to settle there.
France
Career, education and financial opportunities are just some of the reasons 700 Jamaicans moved to France. The country has a generous public healthcare system, cultural opportunities and world-renowned monuments.
Sweden
A high standard of living, thriving economy, generous vacation time, and reasonably priced housing and healthcare are all available in Sweden. A total of 623 Jamaicans immigrated there and the country features clean cities, excellent public transport, blazing fast internet and paid parental leave. Swedish citizens enjoy free education, while gender equality and individual freedom are emphasized.
Belize
Low housing costs and ease of obtaining residency has convinced 568 Jamaicans to relocate to Belize. There is no tax on income earned through a non-Belizean company and a host of other tax benefits. The infrastructure is quite modern, with mobile phone and internet access.
Ital
It is much easier to obtain citizenship there than in many other countries and buying property is a simple process for those who want to establish a home before moving. The country has high-quality health, education and transportation systems, and 476 Jamaicans call the country home.
Belgium
The country has excellent public transport, schools and healthcare, a low crime rate and many job opportunities. It is family friendly making it attractive to the 446 Jamaicans who live there.
South Africa
Job opportunities are plentiful and many Jamaicans are descendants of South Africans. Crime rates, wages and safety levels vary by region. There is excellent private health care, the pace of life is slower and 387 Jamaicans moved to the area.
Spain
Work-life balance, 30 days of vacation a year, heart-healthy cuisine and excellent public healthcare are all found in Spain, along with 316 Jamaican expats. The country has a year-round warm climate, a low-stress lifestyle, easy immigration requirements and a lower cost of living than many European countries.
Guyana
Guyana in South America has been an immigration destination for 313 Jamaicans. Diseases caused by insects, personal safety issues, drug trafficking and climate issues can be a problem, depending on the location. Although Jamaicans immigrate to Guyana, many move to other countries.
Austria
A total of 293 Jamaicans have immigrated to Austria. The country has a high quality of life and emphasizes women’s rights, human rights and freedom of the press. It has excellent public transportation, educational opportunities, universal health care, and a very low crime rate.
Sources/Photos – Macrotrends, Worldbank, UN, Photos of Deposits
