Gov't working to address immigration issues faced by Jamaicans in Mexico

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says she is "very concerned" about reports of the immigration challenges faced by Jamaicans in Mexico and some Central American countries and that her ministry is actively working to address them.

At the same time, she is reminding Jamaicans to observe the immigration laws of the countries they visit, which in instances may change over time. 

She stressed that “While we stand ready to defend and protect the rights of our citizens overseas, we regret to remind that the Government of Jamaica cannot insist that any state allow non-nationals to enter that state."

"No citizen has a right to enter another country other than their own. We can therefore only work to prevent the contravention of basic rights, particularly in terms of unlawful detention or mistreatment”, Johnson Smith added.

She said the Government has been engaging with relevant authorities to resolve the issues reported via social media and is encouraging Jamaicans who believe their rights have been infringed, to make reports by email to consular@mfaft.gov.jm for investigation.

“We are very concerned by the reports we are hearing of in social media. In 2023, the Ministry advised that a more restrictive approach was being taken by Mexico and other Central American authorities to reduce the misuse of their borders to enter the United States of America illegally. The Government therefore strongly urged and continues to encourage Jamaicans to refrain from this practice, which negatively impacts the travel experience for law-abiding Jamaicans at these ports of entry,” said Johnson Smith.

She advised Jamaican travellers to ensure they meet all entry requirements before embarking on trips, to avoid complications such as detention or deportation and ensure safe and trouble-free journeys.

Johnson Smith said as part of good travel planning, Jamaicans should also assess their destinations according to various indicators.

Travellers are also encouraged to stay updated on immigration trends in the countries they wish to visit, so that they can make the best travel decisions.

Jamaicans encountering difficulties while abroad are encouraged to contact the nearest Jamaican mission - Embassy, High Commission, Consulate-General or Consulate, for assistance.

Contact details for these offices are available on the Ministry's website at www.mfaft.gov.jm. For immediate assistance during emergencies overseas, nationals may also reach the Ministry via WhatsApp messages at +1 876 391-8105.

On Tuesday, Jamaican Tarrick Hamilton told The Gleaner he faced mistreatment and harsh conditions after being denied entry by immigration in Mexico.

READ: 'Dem mek me feel like I am a criminal', says Jamaican man refused entry to Mexico

Hamilton and another family member left Jamaica on November 29 for an eight-day stay at one of the RIU Resort hotel in Cancun, an all-inclusive vacation paid for by relatives in the United States.

However, his vacation quickly turned into a nightmare.

He recounted that shortly after landing in Mexico, his passport and mobile phone were confiscated by immigration authorities amid initial enquiries about his name and reason for entering that country.

Hamilton is among scores of Jamaicans who have complained in a slew of videos posted on social media platforms recently claiming that they were mistreated by immigration authorities in Mexico before they were denied entry.

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