Immigration amnesty plan expected before Cabinet next week
A proposed operational plan for a long-anticipated immigration amnesty is expected to be presented to Cabinet next week, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday during the post-Cabinet press briefing.
Merchant said work on the amnesty programme is being led by the Attorney General and immigration officials and is nearing the stage where formal Cabinet consideration will take place.
“The Honourable Attorney General and his team along with the folks at immigration are working on that,” Merchant said. “It is anticipated that next week a proposed plan of operation will be presented to the Cabinet and then we’ll make it known to the public.”
He did not provide details on the scope, eligibility criteria or duration of the proposed amnesty, but indicated that further information would be released once Cabinet has reviewed and approved the plan.
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What about the individuals who applied through the last amnesty for citizenship and have still never been called? Over two years have passed, and there are people waiting — some who were raised in this country, went from preschool through secondary school, and even represented this country. What about them?
What about those working for the government who face bullying and harassment, swept under the rug simply because they’re considered “foreigners”? What about the higher ranks who bring in family members for positions that were never publicly vacant?
What about citizens seeking a meeting with their representatives to discuss serious issues, only to find Ministers unavailable, time and again?
What about those struggling to afford a roof over the heads of their dependents, who’ve done everything to further their education, yet continue to be overlooked?
These are real people, contributing to this country every day. When will transparency, fairness, and accountability extend to everyone — not just a select few?