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The Refugee Status Determination process has not been completed for the group of Haitian asylum seekers who arrived in Jamaica in July 2023.
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By Kimone Witter
The Ministry of National Security has sought to clarify the Government's position on the repatriation of Haitian migrants from Jamaica following the return of the latest group last week Wednesday.
The Ministry is also refuting claims by human rights lobby group, Freedom Imaginaries, about the treatment of the Haitians.
The Ministry of National Security is denying that the recent deportation of seventeen Haitians from Portland resulted in several children being left without their parents.
The group, comprising four women and 13 men, left Jamaica on October 23.
Attorney and founder of Freedom Imaginaries, Malene Alleyne had accused the government of breaching international laws and said a number of children had been separated from their parents.
The Ministry of National Security is asserting that all Haitian children who arrived as part of the different groups, currently remain in the care and protection of the state and have a parent or guardian who is also in state custody.
The ministry says the country embraces the principle of non-separation of children from their parents and seeks to preserve these ties whenever they are established.
It says it should be noted that the group that was repatriated last week, comprised people who arrived in Jamaica illegally and were discovered by either the police or immigration officials. They were without proper documentation and failed to present themselves to the authorities.
Meanwhile, the National Security Ministry says the claim that Haitian migrants have been languishing in filthy police stations is inaccurate.
The ministry says the Jamaica Constabulary Force upholds non-discriminatory practices for all individuals in custody, regardless of nationality.
Consequently, Haitians in detention are held under the same conditions as Jamaican nationals and any other person facing charges in like manner.
But the ministry says due to the concerns raised, a review of the alleged circumstances has been requested.
Meanwhile, the Refugee Status Determination process has not been completed for the group of Haitian asylum seekers who arrived in Jamaica in July 2023.
The Ministry of National Security says in the interim, the Haitians are continuing to receive care and protection from the Government.
In relation to all other Haitian nationals from the groups of illegal entrants, the ministry says they have matters at different stages in the court and their immigration status will be considered further, as appropriate when those matters are concluded.
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