Jamaica Grants Citizenship to 28 Individuals from 15 Countries

Twenty-eight individuals from 15 countries were granted Jamaican citizenship during a ceremony on June 6, 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Horace Chang, welcomed them and emphasized their contributions to Jamaican society. The citizenship was awarded through various pathways, including naturalization and marriage. PICA has received nearly 18,000 citizenship applications over the past three years, reflecting Jamaica’s growing attractiveness for immigrants.

On June 6, 2025, the Jamaican government granted citizenship to 28 individuals from 15 different countries. This announcement followed a swearing-in ceremony held at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew, where the newly recognized citizens received their official documents from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, or PICA.

Among the new citizens, there were men, women, and children hailing from a variety of nations including the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belize, Haiti, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Poland, Cuba, Russia, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. Of these, twelve individuals acquired citizenship through naturalization, seven through marriage, two by registration, and seven by descent.

In addressing the new citizens, Honorable Dr. Horace Chang, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, emphasized the importance of their new status. He spoke about how choosing to become a citizen represents an important commitment to the legal, social, and cultural values of Jamaica.

“Choosing to become a citizen of a country is more than just your legal status. It demonstrates not only your willingness to adhere to the rule of law, and to respect the values, responsibilities and legacy of our country,” Dr. Chang remarked. He encouraged the new citizens to view Jamaica as a place to live, work, and nurture families.

Dr. Chang highlighted that despite their diverse national backgrounds, these individuals are now members of a unified Jamaican heritage. “As a new citizen, you now share in the rights and privileges of citizenship: the right to vote, to participate in shaping our society, and to stand up for justice and equality. But with these rights come responsibilities to respect the laws and to contribute to your communities,” he added.

During his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the unique experiences and cultural narratives of these new Jamaicans would enrich local communities. He also acknowledged the new citizens’ faith in Jamaica’s potential for growth and development, maintaining that “out of many we are, indeed, one people.”

Dr. Chang further assured that the government remains committed to establishing policies that will foster Jamaica’s advancement. He mentioned that, in the past three years, PICA has received nearly 18,000 citizenship applications, enhancing Jamaica’s appeal as a desirable locale for immigrants.

“We consider ourselves as a desirable location for visitors and for persons desirous of citizenship,” he said, indicating that measures are being taken to address historical challenges and make the country more attractive to potential citizens.

In response to the ceremony, Dr. Aung Thu Kha, who obtained his citizenship via naturalization, expressed heartfelt gratitude for being welcomed into the Jamaican family. It is important to note that Jamaican citizenship can be granted through various means, including marriage, registration for Commonwealth citizens, naturalization for non-Commonwealth citizens, by descent, and restoration for individuals who have previously renounced their citizenship.

In summary, the Jamaican government has officially granted citizenship to 28 individuals from a diverse set of countries, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to welcoming newcomers. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang addressed their new roles and responsibilities in society, highlighting the shared values that unite them as citizens. PICA’s growing number of applications suggests a positive outlook for Jamaica’s appeal to individuals seeking citizenship.

Original Source: jis.gov.jm