#Brussels, November 19, 2019 – Belgium – In a meeting with the European Commissioner responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis outlined challenges faced by The Bahamas as it relates to illegal migrants.
Prime
Minister Minnis 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.
The
Prime Minister 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.
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. 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. 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.
During
the meeting, held Thursday 14 November, Commissioner Stylianides and the Prime
Minister also discussed how the EU could provide increased humanitarian and
development assistance.
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.
Prime
Minister Minnis, who led a delegation to Brussels 11-15 November that included
the opening of a new Embassy and European Union Mission, addressed a meeting of
the ACP Commission of Ambassadors on 14 November.
Minister
of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield, and Bahamas Ambassador to Belgium
Ms. Maria O’Brien, met with candidates vying for the post of ACP
Secretary-General.
Attorney
General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Hon. 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 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 15 November.
Release: Office of the Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Photo Caption: 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)