National Security And Foreign Affairs Mins. Comment On Deportees

Ministers Release Joint Statement on UK Deportees: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade commented on the chartered flight which transported thirteen (13) Jamaican born Involuntarily Returned Migrants (IRMs) to the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, December 2, 2020. They say this flight is no different from flights received from other countries where persons fail to meet criteria required to stay there.

The Ministries made this remark in a joint statement released yesterday.

The statement expressed that the individuals were removed because they met the criteria for removal that is set out in the United Kingdom Borders Act of 2007. 

Additionally, the statement communicated that the Government is aware of the sensitivities surrounding the issue. And, the return of the IRMs is a routine process that is guided by agreements made between Jamaica and its bilateral partners.

Through these agreements, the Ministries said assurance had been given from the UK Government that no one who arrived in the UK before the age of 12 years would be among the persons removed on this flight. 

Additionally, the statement expressed that information available to the Government showed that the IRMs were allowed to exhaust all legal remedies and recourse available to them, prior to their departure.

This resulted in only 13 IRMs being returned to Jamaica, rather than the larger amount of fifty (50) that was initially proposed.

Also, the Ministries say they have been informed that no Windrush victims or persons eligible for compensation under the Windrush Scheme were included among those removed.

The Ministries also say, factors such as the right to family life and issues around trafficking in persons were taken into account.  

Finally, the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade are urging Jamaicans overseas to abide by the laws of the country they reside in to prevent removal. The Ministries also say as it regards to COVID-19 protocols, measures are in place to test and quarantine the IRMs as well as protect Jamaicans in Jamaica.