In September, 1998, the Cabinet took the decision that the Returning Residents Facilitation Unit should become a Department for Jamaicans Overseas within a restructured Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with the following responsibilities:

The implementation of the Charter for Returning Residents, including all the services previously provide by the Returning Residents Facilitation Unit (RRFU)

To operate as an information centre and contact point for Jamaican organizations and communities abroad

To promote the development of a policy towards supporting the interests of the Jamaican communities abroad in their respective host countries through political action

To encourage and mobilize Jamaicans abroad to assist in the development of the country in an ongoing relationship of national support

More information on the work of the JOD can be obtained from their website at www.skillsreturn.gov.jm

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