PM discusses immigration challenges with European Union Commissioner

PM discusses immigration challenges with European Union Commissioner
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis (left) in meetings with the European Commissioner responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.   (Photos/European Union)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Dr Hubert underscored the country’s illegal immigration woes during a recent meeting with the European Union.

Minnis outlined challenges faced by The Bahamas as it relates to illegal migrants in a meeting with the European Commissioner responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.

According to a press release, the prime minister highlighted the state of the country’s already stretched social resources faced by the Government and its impact on the country; the Bahamas Government’s strategy to prevent the re-establishment of unsafe shanty towns; and the importance of protecting the country’s borders.

Minnis noted that immediately following the passage of Hurricane Dorian all residents displaced by Hurricane Dorian, including undocumented migrants, were evacuated and provided with shelter, food and medical treatment at the expense of the Bahamian Government.

Education assistance was also provided, the press release noted.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis (left) in meetings with the European Commissioner responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.   (Photos/European Union)

Repatriations were suspended for a period of time for non-documented residents affected by Hurricane Dorian in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

“Prime Minister Minnis emphasized that all undocumented migrants would be treated humanely and reiterated that The Bahamas is a country of laws and governed by the rule of law,” the release read.

“Therefore, the Government is obliged to follow the law as outlined in The Bahamas Immigration Act.

“He reaffirmed that all undocumented migrants will be repatriated and the construction of shanty towns would not be tolerated.

It continued: “Prime Minister Minnis noted that first-time applicants of work permits must apply while outside of The Bahamas and employers of work permit holders must ensure that safe and suitable housing is provided for employees.”

Minnis also discussed how the EU could provide increased humanitarian and development assistance, the release added.

The EU was among the multilateral agencies to provide relief and assistance immediately following the storm.

The meeting at the European Union’s headquarters marked the end of a series of meetings between the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers and officials from the EU and African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.

Minnis led a delegation to Brussels last week for the opening of a new Embassy and European Union Mission, and also addressed a meeting of the ACP Commission of Ambassadors.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, and Bahamas Ambassador to Belgium Maria O’Brien, met with candidates vying for the post of ACP Secretary-General.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Carl Bethel, and Ambassador O’Brien, met with Tiina Astola, Director-General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission.

Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry, and Immigration Elsworth Johnson, and Ambassador O’Brien, met with Director-General Jolita Butkeviciene, International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO), of the European Commission.

The Prime Minister returned to The Bahamas on Friday.