IOM supports governments with training Series to improve Migration management and fight TiP
Grenada and Eastern Caribbean
IOM’s flagship Essentials of Migration Management training was offered to participants from Grenada and other Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean in July 2023 to assist the governments of the region to harness the benefits and overcome the challenges associated with migration.
The Bahamas
Most Caribbean countries are net migrant-sending countries, with emigration outflows surpassing immigration inflows. In 2020, only The Bahamas and Belize had a positive net migration rate. (Source: World Bank, 2023).
The Bahamas, made up of over 300 islands and located in close proximity to the United States, is also challenged with porous borders, high levels of crime relating to migration including the smuggling of migrants into The Bahamas, and the exploitative crime of trafficking in persons, often called “modern day slavery”.
On 27 July 2023, at the opening of a migration management training offered in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas, Hon. Minister of Labour and Immigration, Keith Bell stated:
“I will not stand here and sugar coat the fact that The Bahamas has an irregular migration problem. For the year 2023 to date we have repatriated some 2,900 irregular migrants hailing from all over the globe. That number is already more than half of last year’s total of 4,949 persons. I, therefore, seek your suggestions, as you discuss the issues, on how we the people and the Government should manage this problem.”
Read more here
The event was covered by a number of local news outlets, including Eyewitness News Bahamas and the Bahamas Local.
ZNS Bahamas also reported on the event : Three-Day Migration Management Seminar Begins for Uniformed Branches - ZNS BAHAMAS
This was followed by a two-day training on “Identification and Protection of Victims of Trafficking and Migrants in Vulnerable Situations” in New Providence on 9-10 August 2023.
