United Nations Jamaica 76th Anniversary

The work of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply entrenched in the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits all of society. Assisted VoluntaryReturnandReintegration (AVRR) programmes represent IOM’s flagship mechanism for the meaningful repatriation of migrants. The effective governance of return migration is essential to comprehensive migration management, which is facilitated through collaboration amongst state and non-state actors at national and international levels. For migrants who need to return home, but lack the means to do so, IOM’s AVRR programmes are often the only solution to their plight. Beneficiaries of IOM’s assistance include individuals whose application for asylum was rejected or withdrawn, stranded migrants, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied migrant children, or those with health-related needs. AVRR support usually includes medical assessment, food and clothing, arrangements for travel and procurement of airline tickets/ payment for required transportation, accommodation, including meals, where necessary and an escort to accompany migrants, if required. Upon return, migrants are usually given assistance towards training or certification and/or start-up businesses, through which they are empowered to support themselves and their families, maintain their dignity and simultaneously contribute positively to society. The widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global human mobility due to travel restrictions, border closures and lockdown measures to curb the spread of the virus left migrants stranded across the world. Consequentially, many migrants have encountered significant challenges and have reached out to IOM for support. Here is a story of a vulnerable Jamaican migrant who recently benefitted from one of IOM’s AVRR programmes: Ronica*, a young migrant woman from Jamaica, had been a kindergarten teacher in China until she started experiencing mental health problems and was hospitalised. She lost her job leaving her with no option but to return home to Jamaica. Her illness was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, rendering her incapable of travelling the long route back to Jamaica unescorted. Therefore, the Jamaican Government sought IOM’s expert assistance. In addition to Ronica’s high vulnerability, organizing her return was extremely complex for several reasons, including ongoing flight disruptions, exorbitant costs for the available flights, remoteness of her location, existing quarantine measures which restricted movement of IOM staff from one province to another, and the requirement of transit visas. It was necessary to assess Ronica’s situation and ensure that she was in stable medical condition to travel safely, as well as to ensure the continuation of treatment upon return. Considering long flights and the COVID-19 context, special medical escort was necessary. With the support of the Jamaican Government, a suitable escort was identified. Unfortunately, at the last moment, this escort secured a job opportunity and had to remain in China. Given that there were no Jamaican nationals available to assist with this return, the search was extended to possible escorts from the Caribbean. Fortunately, a recent medical school graduate from Belize who was preparing to return home agreed to assume this role. The escort was given direct contact with IOM’s designated medical experts, in case of any emergencies. At the time, the only option for return to Jamaica was through Canada. However, during the pandemic, Canada introduced new regulations for transit passengers. IOM liaised with the Canadian Government, and through their generosity, transit visas were granted. This movement was successful also due to support from IOM staff and Government representatives in Mexico and Belize. In October 2020, following months of intensive preparation, Ronica*, accompanied by the escort, finally arrived home. As committed, IOM continued to ensure that she received adequate health care and other necessary support. *Name changed for anonymity IOM – Partnerships to Manage Migration During the COVID-19 Pandemic Keisha Livermore Head of Office, IOM Kingston 17 THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN JAMAICA