19 illegal migrants were apprehended at Cox Heath on Tortola on Friday, April 19, 2024. Governor Daniel Pruce, in his Throne's Speech, sought to highlight what he describes as the growing challenge of irregular migration to the Virgin Islands as he outlined government's plans to amend the Immigration and Passport Act to better manage asylum and refugee cases. Photo: VINO

United Kingdom (UK) appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), Mr Daniel Pruce, today January 7, 2025, delivered his inaugural ‘Speech from the Throne’ at the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), where he disclosed sweeping legislative reforms aimed at tackling— among other issues—irregular migration, and modernising the immigration processes for the Territory. Photo: YouTube

In June 2024, Virgin Islands' Special Envoy Mr. E. Benito Wheatley, right, and UNHCR Regional Representative for the United States of America (USA) and the Caribbean Mr Matthew Reynolds, left, held discussions on the challenges posed to the Caribbean by irregular migration during a courtesy call at the UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) USA office in Washington, DC. Photo: Provided

Irregular Migration & Refugees

Addressing the members of the HoA, Governor Pruce sought to highlight what he describes as the growing challenge of irregular migration to the Virgin Islands as he outlined government's plans to amend the Immigration and Passport Act to better manage asylum and refugee cases.

"The Territory continues to see a steady increase in irregular migration; The Government realises the need for local legislation to support persons fleeing their homeland due to legitimate fear.”

As such, the proposed amendments, according to Governor Pruce, will establish mechanisms for the administration, processing, and management of asylum and refugee cases, a move, he said, aligns with international human rights obligations.

Additionally, the Act will be updated to simplify immigration procedures for the spouses and children of individuals deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands, formalising policies to uphold the right to family life.

Border Security

Meanwhile, Gover Pruce also told members that in a bid to further enhance border security in alignment with international best practices, the Advanced Passenger Information Act will be repealed and replaced.

The new legislation, he said, will focus on improving the collection, transmission, and regulation of advanced passenger information.

"This will facilitate the Immigration Department's efforts to increase its use of technology and risk-based mechanisms to target illegitimate travellers and those who exploit the Territory for irregular migration.”

The Virgin Islands' efforts to address irregular migration are part of a broader regional response.

VI & UN pledged to strengthen collaboration

On June 19, 2024, last, this publication had reported that the Virgin Islands and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) pledged to strengthen their collaboration in managing asylum and refugee issues.

Discussions between Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley and UNHCR Regional Representative Matthew Reynolds were held on the economic, social, and legal challenges posed by irregular migration in the Caribbean.

Irregular migration, including from Haiti, has in recent years increased due to worsening gang violence and instability, prompting Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) to state back in 2023, "We are doing our best to look after the welfare of our Haitian brothers and sisters who face an unfortunate set of circumstances.”

The Premier had at the time also called for a regional and hemispheric response, noting that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and partners, including Canada, are working to address the crisis.