Immigration Resumption of Apprehension of Illegal Haitian Nationals

Director of Immigration Jack Thompson (Right)

(BIS Release, Nassau, Bahamas) - Statement By Director of Immigration Jack Thompson: The Department of Immigration resumed the apprehension of illegal Haitian nationals on Wednesday, 1 September, which were suspended for logistical and humanitarian reasons following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January.  It should be noted that the apprehension of illegal immigrants from other countries continued as usual throughout the course of the year.

As with all apprehension exercises, the resumption of apprehension exercises of illegal Haitian nationals have been conducted in a methodical and humane manner.  Illegal immigrants and others should be aware that apprehension exercises are ongoing, and will be vigorous and orderly.

As of this press statement, there are 134 Haitian nationals detained at the Detention Centre.  These individuals are scheduled for repatriation to Haiti during the course of this week.

It should be noted that a lesser number of persons apprehended were released because they were in the country legally.  The repatriation of the Haitian nationals at the Detention Centre will make a total of approximately 906 Haitians to be repatriated so far this year.

There are also a number of individuals from the following countries who have been apprehended and will be repatriated at the earliest possible opportunity: 17 to Cuba, 12 to Jamaica, six to The People’s Republic of China, four to Brazil and three to the Dominican Republic.  Those to be repatriated also include one person from each of the following countries: Peru, Guyana, Nigeria and Dominica. 

In the interest of speedy repatriation and limiting the number of individuals at the Detention Centre at any given time, the Department of Immigration will continue repatriations in a timely manner.  This is also in the interest of observing various safety and security protocols for the staff and detainees at the Centre.

I wish to reiterate what the Minster of Immigration has previously stated:  “All persons who are here illegally are in contravention of the laws of The Bahamas, and are advised to return to their country of origin or be subject to apprehension and deportation.”

It is the policy of the Government of The Bahamas to deter all illegal migration to the country from whatever source.  The Government’s deterrence policy includes the strict enforcement of immigration laws.  Accordingly, the Department of Immigration will continue to vigorously apprehend and repatriate in a sustained manner all illegal migrants, irrespective of their country of origin.