New Civilianised Immigration Department for Saint Lucia

Contact: John Emmanuel

Monday, November 05, 2001 - The Saint Lucian public is expected to begin benefiting in coming months from a more efficient and modernized immigration department, as the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and Labour puts the finishing touches on plans to launch a new civilianised immigration department. Coordinator for the project Wayne Jordan says the initiative will see the integration of the Citizenship office, Work Permit Section and existing Immigration Department into a single unit.

“What will happen mainly with this new department is an amalgamation of these services to be provided under one department… and the key word with the new department would be efficiency. We would look to streamline a lot of the procedures ensuring that things happen in the minimum space of time while not compromising national security,” Jordan explained.

According to Jordan the move is aimed at increasing the efficiency of the police department by relieving the police of the responsibility for immigration matters, thereby releasing police officers to concentrate on police functions.  It will also enhance efficiency in the immigration services by allowing immigration personnel to concentrate only on immigration matters.

Jordan says a location for the new headquarters of the immigration unit has been identified and recruitment of suitable personnel has commenced. 

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