St Helena : St Helena ‘In the Know with the MOU’
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 20.01.2012 (Article Archived on 03.02.2012)
This week begins a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
‘In the Know with the MOU’
Immigration
This week begins a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
Kicking off the series is the latest update on Immigration. We caught up with Lewis Evans, Immigration Executive to tell us more.
Phase II of the MOU has now begun which puts into practice the reforms made during Phase I. One of the aims under the MOU was to develop a simple, transparent and development friendly system for non-St Helenians to be able to enter, live, work and acquire land in St Helena.
To achieve this a new immigration system has been put into place. The revised system will be closely monitored over the first half of 2012 and beyond to ensure that it meets the target set by the MOU while also protecting the interests of local people.
It includes a revised Immigration Ordinance and supporting legislation which will come into force from Monday 23rd January 2012.
Lewis explained that this means that any applications for entry, residence, permission to work or status will be handled under the new system. Revisions to immigrant land holding legislation will come into force later in 2012.
Lewis added:
“We have aimed to make immigration processes more transparent, fair and simple but at the same time incorporated safeguards to help ensure that the immigration system is not abused.”
The revisions incorporate a Points Based System which is a new addition relating to employment of migrants. One of the aims of the system is to take discretion out of the decision making process of who can and can’t work in St Helena. It does not apply to St Helenians who have every right to live and work on the Island.
Investors, entrepreneurs and others wishing to come to St Helena to work will need to meet the requirements of the Points Based System which is aimed at protecting the local labour market while allowing migrants to come and do the jobs that there is no one on island to do.
To improve the effectiveness of the new immigration system Immigration Officers have received training in forgery detection, in passports and other key documents and keeping children safe. The training was delivered in conjunction with the UK Border Agency and Social Services. As a result of the training the team have significantly improved their ability to prevent those who seek to abuse the immigration system from entering St Helena.
The positive airport decision will have a definite effect on Immigration and Lewis explained that this decision and the potential for additional ports at Ruperts and looking further ahead at a temporary airstrip means that the number of fully trained Immigration Officers on the Island will need to increase from within the current Police Force.
Lewis said:
“All new Police Officers have received basic immigration officer training but a complete training program is planned for later in the year.
“The Immigration Ordinance and supporting legislation were drafted with an eye on the future but I would expect that prior to the airport becoming operational the system will be reviewed again to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the island.
Speaking with Lewis:
What was the general response from the public on the reforms made under Immigration?
“Immigration is always an emotive subject and so there are a variety of views. Generally, however, the transparency of the system has been positively received and the consultation periods throughout 2011 gave people the opportunity to comment as the reforms took shape.
“An important piece of feedback that we have taken direct action on is to simplify the forms that all visitors and arrivals to the island must complete. This was as a direct result of feedback from Saints and visitors and should make the process on board the RMS simpler and quicker for all.”
Personally how do you feel about what has happened so far and what lies ahead?
“I feel that the immigration reforms have progressed well up to this point. The new system represents significant steps towards the requirements under the MOU.
“Additional safeguards that have been added through regulations, training and working with other Government Directorates and the UK Border Agency mean that I am confident that the system is significantly more secure. But there is still more work to do as the island prospers and we move towards additional entry points and ultimately air access.”
Strategic Policy and Planning Unit
19th January 2012
|
