By Kurt Campbell
Kurt@newsroom.gy
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is on the cusp of unveiling a transformative Regional Migration Policy, designed to address emerging migration trends and longstanding challenges across the region.
Spearheaded by the CARICOM Secretariat and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this policy promises to reshape migration management in the Caribbean.
Originally mandated by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2019, the development of the policy has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, progress has accelerated, with a draft framework now ready for review.
Sherwin Toyne-Stephenson, Programme Manager of Crime and Security at CARICOM, confirmed that the draft will be presented to CARICOM leaders in February 2025. “We have a first draft of the framework that is ready for interrogation and validation by member states,” Toyne-Stephenson said.
A key component of the policy development has been understanding and addressing emerging migration trends. Recent research highlights significant shifts, including that over 60% of regional migrants are women, many of whom move for employment opportunities. This demographic insight has been pivotal in shaping the policy, which aims to address the safety and support needs of female migrants and other vulnerable groups.
The policy’s development has included extensive consultations and technical reviews. A high-level engagement is planned for November 13, 2024, where ministers of foreign affairs, national security, and other key officials will provide feedback. This feedback will help refine the draft before it is presented to the Community Council in December. The final policy will be presented to CARICOM Heads of Government early next year.
Toyne-Stephenson emphasized the people-centered approach of the policy, aiming to address real-world migration issues and opportunities.
“We want to ensure that the policy addresses the concerns and needs of individuals affected by migration,” he said. The policy will also address intra-regional movement for purposes such as tourism and accessing medical services, reflecting the diverse reasons behind migration within the Caribbean.
In addition to addressing safety and support for migrants, the policy will focus on enhancing border security and improving data collection. Robust data systems are crucial for making informed decisions and effectively managing migration, a point underscored by recent trends and the need for better empirical analysis.
With the policy nearing finalization, CARICOM is set to implement a unified framework that will benefit thousands across the region. The comprehensive approach aims to streamline migration processes, enhance security, and promote regional development, positioning CARICOM as a leader in innovative migration policy in this hemisphere.
