Jamaica pushing for safe, humane and regular pathways to migration
Published:Wednesday | May 8, 2024 | 3:53 PM
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, has asserted that creating legal avenues for safe and orderly migration would reduce the incidence of irregular migration, combat human trafficking and smuggling and boost countries' economies.
Johnson Smith made the assertion while delivering remarks during a high-level meeting in Guatemala where she joined government officials from over 20 countries for crucial discussions on safe, orderly and regular migration across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Jamaica's firm belief is that the promotion of regular pathways for migration is not only a matter of human decency, but also of economic pragmatism. By creating legal avenues for safe and orderly migration, we can reduce the incidences of irregular migration, combat human trafficking and smuggling while harnessing the potential of migrants as contributors to our societies and economies,” she said.
In reiterating the importance of migration as a source for sustainable development, she credited the Jamaican Diaspora as a vital player in the nation's economic growth and development.
“The Diaspora has always been integral to our socio-economic development through their invaluable contributions to critical sectors such as health and education; their investments and skills transfers, as well as remittances, which account for a significant percentage of the country's GDP,” stated Johnson Smith, who also noted that Jamaica is a host, transit and destination country for many migrants.
Johnson Smith also reaffirmed Jamaica's commitment to the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
In 2017, the Government developed the National Policy on International Migration and Development, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in mass migration.
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