The backlog of applications at the Immigration Department from those trying to regularlise their status in Barbados will soon be dealt with.
That’s the promise from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart who said a White Paper on Immigration will be laid in Parliament shortly.
In tonight’s televised address, he spoke on this issue.
“Another area of concern has to do with the huge backlog of applications that has been choking the Immigration Department and frustrating applicants at the same time. This problem has now begun to affect some in their efforts to secure access to health care. Government will be laying in Parliament in the near future, its White Paper on Immigration”.
Stuart said that in the meantime, those who have lived and worked for many years in Barbados and paid their taxes, should not be suddenly disadvantaged by the strict enforcement of a long existing policy.
“I am aware of persons in Barbados who came here as children, went to school, worked and have now retired without ever having their status regularised at the documentary level. Should these persons suddenly discover that they are not entitled to benefits other Barbadians enjoy? I think not!
“As Minister with responsibility for Immigration, I will accord priority to the resolution of this problem so that calm can return to the lives of those being affected. In any event, the Department will be positioned to move aggressively to eliminate its backlog,” he promised. (CM)
