On the last day of Japan-CARICOM Ministerial meetings in Tokyo, Duly Brutus, the Foreign Minister declared "the bilateral meetings with the Bahamas government over its new immigration policy is a top priority as Haiti does not have the capacity to meet regularisation demands." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12477-haiti-politic-the-hunt-for-illegals-is-open-to-the-bahamas.html

While recognizing the sovereign right of the Government of the Bahamas to apply its immigration policy, he warned it against excessive statements, which may create difficulties for people of Haitian descent living in this country. He emphasized that the Haitian government was willing to deal with the increased demand for passports of Haitian nationals living illegally in The Bahamas, but "We do not have the service now for the Bahamas [...] We did it for the Dominican Republic, probably we will be forced to do the same with the Bahamas [...]"

"Our concern is about the treatment made to children, we know they have a lot of children born in the Bahamas and they do not know Haiti [...]" adding "That is why our position is very simple. We wish this (Bahamas) government to try to talk to the International Organisation for Migration and also talk to UNHCR commissary for refugee, to see how they can have a policy more open for children, that is the position of the Haitian government."

Recall that in the new immigration policy implemented since November 1, all persons living in the Bahamas, must hold a passport of their nationality in addition, certificates of identity issued to persons born of foreign parents, legally residing in the Bahamas will not be renewed. Instead, a passport from their original nationality with residence stamp is required.

The Minister Brutus indicated that a Haitian delegation will go to the Bahamas in the best time to meet including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and attempt to find a solution to a situation that threatens thousands of Haitians living illegally in the Bahamas.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12477-haiti-politic-the-hunt-for-illegals-is-open-to-the-bahamas.html

SL/ HaitiLibre