The Chief Minister has announced a new cooperation arrangement between the St Helena Government (SHG) and the United Kingdom Government (UKG) concerning future migrants arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), also known as the Chagos Archipelago, effective from October 16, 2024.
The decision to offer this arrangement was made solely by the St Helena ministerial team. The Chief Minister explained the reasoning behind this decision to the public. The agreement will last for 18 months or until an agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago is implemented, at which point Mauritius will assume responsibility for any future arrivals.
It is important to note that existing migrants on BIOT are not covered under this arrangement, and there have been no new arrivals since 2022. A crucial factor in making this ministerial decision was ensuring confidence in safeguarding St Helena's internal security.
According to the Constitution, the Governor holds special responsibilities for internal security but does not manage these responsibilities alone. Under a ministerial government system, the Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs has executive authority over key areas such as border control and migration. Therefore, in assessing how best to protect internal security, the Governor has closely consulted with Minister Ellick and other members of the ministerial team regarding necessary measures.
Several points have been agreed upon to maintain internal security:
- The UKG has promised not to knowingly send any migrant incompatible with St Helena’s internal security provision.
- UKG, BIOT Administration, and SHG will collaborate in pre-screening migrants. Each case will be evaluated individually, with SHG retaining the right to deny entry.
- The UK assumes full responsibility for safely relocating migrants from BIOT to St Helena while upholding St Helena's Constitution.
- UKG will provide all necessary assistance for St Helena to accommodate future migrants who arrive on BIOT.
Upon arrival in St Helena, SHG will take responsibility for migrant welfare without financial burden concerns due to assurances from UKG regarding capacity support.
If any migrant poses a threat after arrival, SHG reserves the right to refuse continued residence. In such cases, UKG will facilitate urgent removal of identified individuals.
Currently, SHG does not plan infrastructure developments for receiving migrants due to uncertainties about requirements but acknowledges potential need during agreement enforcement. To prepare for possible processing needs if migrants arrive during this period, UK's Home Office will soon train SHG Border Control officers accordingly.
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