On February 12, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between St Helena and the UK Government concerning the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and Chagos Archipelago. The agreement was endorsed by Jeffrey Ellick, Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), and The Rt. Hon Lord David Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office.
This MoU marks a significant development in securing borders for St Helena by allowing checks against UK watch list information. It enables St Helena’s Customs and Immigration Department to share passenger data from flights or cruise ships with the UK before their arrival on the island. This collaboration is a first for St Helena in utilizing UK watch list checks.
The initiative aims to enhance border security by providing SHG Customs and Immigration with crucial information to make informed entry decisions. Jeffrey Ellick expressed gratitude towards the UK Government and Lord Hanson’s office for facilitating this agreement. He stated:
“Well done and thank you to the UK Government, Lord Hanson and his office (Home Office) for facilitating the agreement along with my team here on island.”
Ellick further emphasized that “this significant agreement demonstrates a clear and visible development of the work that is ongoing to build and strengthen the relationship between the UK, and St Helena Governments,” leading to enhanced border security now and in future.
