Knight JAMAICANS HAVE to take the blame for the circumstances which have led to Britain's imposition of visa restrictions on nationals travelling to that country, says Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, K.D. Knight.
"We have to accept the responsibility," the Minister said, noting that British officials have provided overwhelming evidence to suggest that Jamaicans have committed substantial breaches of UK immigration procedures.
In a release yesterday announcing the new visa regime, the British High Commission said a large number of Jamaicans who have been granted temporary stay in the UK have absconded, causing great inconvenience for genuine visitors to that country.
Mr. Knight argued that Britain was within its right in introducing the controversial measure to secure its interest, even though it would cause much distress and great expense to a number of Jamaicans.
"If persons abuse an immigration system, then the affected country is going to take steps to protect itself," the Minister told The Gleaner yesterday.
At the same time, he expressed concerns over the short period of time between the announcement of the visa restriction and its implementation. According to Mr. Knight, more time should have been given to allow Jamaicans to familiarise themselves with the new procedures which came into effect last night.
"One always anticipated that a regime would be imposed. What has surprised me is the time between announcement and effective date," the Minister added.
With the horse already through the gate, the Minister said the Government would be seeking to have constant dialogue with British officials to ensure that the visa application procedure is fair.
Among the areas which will occupy the focus of the government, he said, is the appeals process for persons whose application for a visa is turned down.
He added that his Ministry would remain in discussions with Britain with the hope of having the restriction lifted at some point in the future.
