Gov’t urged to establish policy for deportees

Nedburn Taffe, Gleaner Writer

A university professor is calling for the government to develop a policy framework to deal with deportees.

Professor Elizabeth Thomas-Hope said more and more Jamaicans continue to be deported to the island and these persons find it difficult to resettle.

Professor Thomas-Hope said the figures for deportation are worrying and urgent action is needed.

She was the lead consultant on a recent review of Jamaica’s migration situation.

The report highlights that between 2000 and 2010 some 34,199 persons were deported to the island.

It noted that the majority of deportees were illegal aliens.

Professor Thomas-Hope said most of these persons have skills and competencies but find it hard to get jobs because of the stigma associated with being a deportee.

She is urging the government to put in place a policy which will mobilise deportees and help them reintegrate into society.

The report on Jamaica’s migration profile was completed recently and submitted to the government yesterday.

Jamaica is the first Caribbean country to develop a migration profile.

editorial@gleanerjm.com