CARICOM high commissioners call on UK to address issue of undocumented Caribbean migrants

CARICOM high commissioners to London on Thursday discussed the issue of undocumented Caribbean migrants in the United Kingdom – a topic that will be discussed during the upcoming Commonwealth heads of government meeting in London

The CARICOM caucus underscored their individual responsibility to advocate for, and protect citizens’ rights. At the meeting on April 12, CARICOM diplomats, engaged diaspora groups, UK parliamentarians and civil society groups, including The Runnymede Trust and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, to explore wider collaboration and information sharing on this matter.

The regional high commissioners issued a statement that calls upon the UK government to commit to finding a permanent solution for pre-1971 Commonwealth Caribbean undocumented migrants seeking permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

The statement also urges the UK government to consider reducing the evidentiary burden on these individuals and instead to rely on information the government already holds, such as NHS, school, tax and National Insurance records.

Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign affairs minister, Chet Greene, who is a member of his country’s delegation to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in London this week, said that this matter will be vigorously advanced by Antigua and Barbuda at the meeting.