Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has put the cost of housing and repatriating illegal migrants in the millions of dollars, adding that the issue will continue to be a challenge for the BVI.
Dozens of illegal migrants were apprehended in the territory in recent months, and Dr Wheatley emphasised the financial burden placed on the budget by the current detention system. He said the government aims to redirect funds now spent on temporary housing solutions towards broader territorial development.
“I don’t have the cost in front of me right now, but rest assured that it’s in the millions,” Dr Wheatley said about the illegal immigration burden. “So we are working expeditiously for a solution because it’s certainly very expensive. We want to use that money that we’re spending to help to develop the territory.”
Currently, the BVI rents facilities to detain immigrants, and the Premier indicated that constructing a purpose-built facility would significantly reduce government expenditures. In response to the escalating costs of housing immigration detainees, the government announced plans to build a new detention facility.
Earlier this year, the Premier stated that $700,000 had been allocated for developing this centre, which will house and process illegal immigrants humanely, in line with international conventions, until their repatriation. He noted that the Recovery and Development Agency is currently finalising designs and said the process will move to approval at the Town and Country Planning Department before contractor selection.
The Premier highlighted the challenges faced by Caribbean nations and other countries, with increasing migrant flows from regions like North Africa and Haiti impacting local resources. He also focused on the broader regional challenge and the necessity for strengthened border security to tackle not only illegal immigration but also associated threats like human smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
Dr Wheatley stressed the BVI’s commitment to enhancing its border security measures and noted that the National Security Council is reviewing a border security plan and integrating recommendations from a recent law enforcement review.
He said the review is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the territory’s response to various security threats. The Premier also mentioned the BVI’s involvement with CARICOM in stabilising Haiti to prevent mass migration from the country, which affects the entire Caribbean region.
