Cabinet approves Deportation Response Action Plan

Amid concerns surrounding public safety in relation to the deportation of persons to Jamaica with criminal backgrounds, the Cabinet has approved a coordinated Deportation Response Action Plan and established a Multi-Agency Working Group, the Ministry of National Security has disclosed.

The Technical Working Group established by the Office of the Cabinet comprises representatives from key ministries, including law enforcement, social support agencies and civil society, and is tasked with delivering a streamlined response plan. This includes reception protocols, reintegration support, security vetting where appropriate, and community liaison services.

The disclosure comes amid the expected arrival of a flight of 107 deported nationals in Jamaica today.

The Government seeking to assure that the return of nationals with final removal orders from overseas territories is neither unexpected nor unmanaged.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith say the government has been closely monitoring developments in deportation trends and that systems are activated to manage any potential increase in returns.

“We are not operating in reaction mode and the relevant institutions are already aligned to respond. It is important to note that immigration enforcement has shifted globally, and while Jamaica is not exempt from its effects, we have been planning accordingly,” Johnson Smith says.

Chang says arrangements have already been made to accommodate incoming migrants with a clear focus on security and reintegration.

Approximately 2,500 nationals have been confirmed for removal from the United States in line with due process and logistical arrangements, with these removals are expected to be executed over the next two years.

In 2023, a total of 655 Jamaican nationals were returned from the US and in 2024, this figure increased to 814. Between January and April this year, 331 nationals were removed.

Chang notes, “Jamaica, like other sovereign nations, is obligated under international laws to accept the return of its citizens who are subject to deportation. We have consistently fulfilled this duty while ensuring each case is managed with respect for due process and human rights. In the same way that we repatriate foreign nationals who breach our laws, we respect the right of other countries to enforce their own immigration laws."

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