There is no evidence that foreign parents travelling to Barbados to give birth are seeking residency, citizenship or any other immigration status for themselves, despite concerns over a reported organised “birth tourism” targeting wealthy African women.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls sought to reassure Barbadians yesterday, saying official data did not support fears that the country had a surge in immigration applications linked to foreign births.
“The data suggests that the persons who come to Barbados to access these medical services can pay for them and are not a drain or charge on the public purse.
“The parents are not applying for residency or citizenship or any other immigration status,” Nicholls said.
His comments come in response to a Sunday Sun investigation published June 21, which revealed that a sophisticated overseas operation was marketing Barbados as a destination where expectant mothers could give birth so their children automatically acquire Barbadian citizenship because of their birth.
The investigation found that Nigerian women are arriving on trips coordinated by companies offering all-inclusive “birth tourism” packages that include flights, accommodation, hospital arrangements and assistance obtaining birth certificates, national identification cards and Barbados passports for newborns. (NS)
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