Two of the six foreign nationals recently relocated to Saint Lucia under the new Third Country National Programme have asked to return to their home countries, while the remaining four intend to stay on the island for the foreseeable future.
Minister for External Affairs Alva Baptiste disclosed the development during Monday’s Pre-Cabinet press briefing, saying diplomatic channels are already being used to facilitate the requested departures.
The six individuals, who arrived in Saint Lucia last Monday, come from countries across Africa, Asia and the wider Caribbean.
Their arrival has generated public discussion and questions about their backgrounds and the implications of the programme for Saint Lucia. Baptiste sought to address those concerns, saying all six underwent stringent screening before being allowed to enter the country and that none has been identified as a security threat.
He also urged Saint Lucians not to judge the individuals based on speculation or hearsay, reminding the public that “behind every policy decision are human beings whose lives have been profoundly affected by circumstances beyond their control.”
At the same time, Baptiste insisted national security remains the government’s priority, saying the administration “will not compromise on and will always give priority to the security of our people” while balancing its obligation to assist people in need.
The four nationals who have opted to remain will continue to be accommodated under arrangements established by the government and its international partners. According to Baptiste, they will have regular and private access to their families and legal representatives and will be treated “with dignity and humanity at all times.”
The government will also provide voluntary repatriation assistance should any of the four later decide to return to their countries of origin.
Baptiste stressed, however, that their presence in Saint Lucia should not be interpreted as permanent immigration. He said the arrangement is governed by predefined conditions rather than open-ended residency and is “temporary in nature” at this stage.
He also indicated that some of the individuals possess skills that could potentially be useful to Saint Lucia should they remain.
Under the bilateral arrangement, Saint Lucia can accept a maximum of 10 third-country nationals per quarter over a two-year period, but local authorities retain the power to assess and reject proposed candidates.
Baptiste said that authority was exercised from the outset, with Saint Lucia accepting six people instead of the 10 initially proposed for the first group.
He further maintained that the programme will not be funded by Saint Lucian taxpayers, saying its costs are being covered by the United States government together with the International Organization for Migration.
