Gov’t Crafting Migration and Diaspora Development Policies

The Government is currently engaged in the development of an International Migration and Development Policy, and a Diaspora and Development Policy, which are expected to be tabled in the House of Representatives in November.

The process is being undertaken by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, who made the disclosure in his contribution in the 2012/13 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 10), said the move comes against the background of the "historical importance of migration on (the) Jamaican society".

Mr. Brown noted that there has been a "wave of migration" of Jamaicans over the years, as persons seek employment and other opportunities overseas. He noted however that there are "negative social and economic issues" associated with migration, chief among these is the breakdown in family structure, when one or both parents seek opportunities abroad.

"It must be acknowledged, also, that a significant percentage of tertiary graduates migrate," he noted further.

The State Minister advised that a National Working Group on International Migration and Development (NWGIMD), which he chairs, has been "meeting consistently for some time now” for consultations on the matter .

Through the continued support and sponsorship of the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), work is progressing via eight thematic sub-committees chaired by individuals from various government agencies and departments.

"The inputs from these sub-committees will be collated and analyzed and, ultimately, used in development of the policy. The participation of the Diaspora in the consultations will be critical to the formulation of the final policy document,” Mr. Brown said.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter