There has been generally a positive response to the initiatives in immigration announced in the House of Assembly.
The line remains open to any feedback to the proposals advanced to the vexing problem of immigration that was announced against the backdrop of demands by the Bahamian people for objectives in Immigration which are often not compatible with one another.
Immigration policies are necessarily and by experience tweaked to meet the existing needs of the society.
It is clear that the masses of the Bahamian people voted for some kind of change to what exists up to now with regard to immigration policies.
Most of the responses to what we are trying to accomplish with regard to protecting the Bahamian work force for Bahamians have been met rationally. There have been one or two exceptions to this which have been over the top and completely irrational, one even a little hysterical. These exaggerated responses can only lead one to the conclusion that the responses are not driven by business considerations but rather by some political agenda. Business people and politicians who wish to pursue that line are free to do so in a democratic society but with respect it will not resolve the legal decision that has been made.
It is important to note that public policy must consistently reflect the collective will, desires and aspirations of the Bahamian people and I am satisfied that these latest proposals meet that criteria. Further, government can only cross the line when its policies fail to serve the public’s interests.
I am also satisfied that these proposals when settled will serve the public interest.
All citizens of The Bahamas should remind themselves of the provisions of the Immigration Act which has been law in The Bahamas, unchallenged since 1967.
The law allows the Immigration officials the power to grant a permit to a worker from outside The Bahamas with conditions attached. If any applicant is aggrieved of a decision of the Immigration Board there is an appeals process. If that process leaves the applicant still aggrieved then there are the courts.
No business has been threatened or crippled or will be crippled by any action taken by the Department of Immigration.
By Fred Mitchell, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration