OIM - Migration Governance Indicators Profile 2025 - Barbados de 2025

MIGRATION

GOVERNANCE INDICATORS BARBADOS I PROFILE 2025The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. While efforts have been taken to verify the accuracy of this information, neither Economist Impact nor its affiliates can accept any responsibility or liability for reliance by any person on this information. _______________ Publisher: International Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons P.O. Box 17 1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland

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PUB2025/012/ELMIGRATION

GOVERNANCE

INDICATORS BARBADOS I PROFILE 2025CONTENTS OBJECTIVES // iv INTRODUCTION // 1

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK // 3

SUMMARY // 5

CONTEXT // 9

KEY FINDINGS // 12

ANNEX // 31

KEY SOURCES // 33MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// iv The MGIs aim to help governments, upon request, take stock of their migration policies and strategies to identify good practices and areas with potential for further development. The MGIs open dialogues with governments and other relevant stakeholders to identify priorities on the way forward. With a focus on government ownership of the process, the MGIs offer support at the national and local levels to gradually improve migration management systems.

OBJECTIVESINTRODUCTIONMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

2 INTRODUCTION Migration has been part of the human experience throughout history, and we recognize that it is a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development in our globalized world, and that these positive impacts can be optimized by improving migration governance.1 The need to maximize the opportunities and to face the challenges that mobility brings has been recognized with the inclusion of migration in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The incorporation of target 10.7 into the 2030 Agenda created the need to define “planned and well‐managed migration policies”. This is why, in 2015, the

the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The incorporation of target 10.7 into the 2030 Agenda created the need to define “planned and well‐managed migration policies”. This is why, in 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) developed the Migration Governance2 Framework (MiGOF). This Framework3 offers a concise view of an ideal approach that allows a State to determine what it might need to govern migration well and in a way that suits its circumstances. That same year, IOM in collaboration with Economist Impact developed the Migration Governance Indicators (MGIs), a standard set of almost 100 indicators that help States assess the comprehensiveness of their migration governance structures. The indicators constitute a starting point to engage governments in a consultative process that allows them to identify areas that are well developed and others that would benefit from further development, and most importantly priorities that are in line with the specific challenges and opportunities that a given country is facing. The MGIs are characterized by three main fundamental attributes:

1. The MGI process is a voluntary exercise: The MGIs are conducted in countries that have requested to be part of the process.

2. The MGIs are sensitive to national specificities: The MGIs recognize the different challenges and opportunities of each context, and therefore, do not propose a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather aim to spark a discussion on what well-governed migration can mean.

3. The MGIs constitute a process: The MGI process is not a static tool to collect data on countries’ migration frameworks. It is rather the first step of a dynamic exercise that can enable governments to identify areas of their migration policy in need of further development, or that could benefit from capacity-building.

The MGIs recognize that all countries have different realities, challenges and opportunities in relation to migration. Therefore, the MGIs do not rank countries on the design or implementation of their migration policies. Finally, the MGIs do not measure migration policy outcomes or institutional effectiveness. Instead, they take stock of the migration‐related policies in place and operate as a benchmarking framework that provides

migration. Therefore, the MGIs do not rank countries on the design or implementation of their migration policies. Finally, the MGIs do not measure migration policy outcomes or institutional effectiveness. Instead, they take stock of the migration‐related policies in place and operate as a benchmarking framework that provides insights on policy measures that countries can consider as they further progress towards good migration governance. This country profile presents a summary of the well‐developed areas of the migration governance structures of Barbados, as well as the areas with potential for further development, as assessed by the MGIs.4 1 United Nations, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (A/RES/73/195 of 11 January 2019), paragraph 8. 2 “Migration governance” refers to the system of institutions, legal frameworks, mechanisms, and practices aimed at regulating migration and protecting migrants. It is used almost synonymously with the term “migration management”, although the latter is also sometimes used to refer to the narrow act of regulating cross-border movement at the State level. 3 IOM Council, Migration Governance Framework, 106th Session, C/106/40 (4 November 2015), page 1, footnote 1. 4 The MGI initiative is a policy-benchmarking programme led by IOM and implemented with the support of Economist Impact. Funding is provided by IOM Member States.CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Not a ranking of countries Not an assessment of policy impacts Not prescriptive MGIs PRINCIPLES Which support the measurement of At the basis of MiGOF

OBJECTIVES

WHAT THEY ARE WHAT THEY ARE NOT IOM’s MiGOF sets out the essenƟal elements to support planned and well-managed migraƟon. It seeks to present, in a consolidated, coherent and comprehensive way, a set of three principles and three objecƟves which, if respected and fulfilled, would ensure that migraƟon is humane and orderly, and benefits migrants and society.

1. Adhere to international standards and fulfil migrants’ rights.

2. Formulate policy using evidence and a

objecƟves which, if respected and fulfilled, would ensure that migraƟon is humane and orderly, and benefits migrants and society.

1. Adhere to international standards and fulfil migrants’ rights.

2. Formulate policy using evidence and a whole-of-government approach.

3. Engage with partners to address migration and related issues.

1. Advance the socioeconomic well-being of migrants and society.

2. Effectively address the mobility dimensions of crises.

3. Ensure that migration takes place in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.

A set of indicators that offers insights on policy levers that countries can use to strengthen their migraƟon governance structures A tool that idenƟfies good pracƟces and areas that could be further developed A consultaƟve process that advances dialogues on migraƟon governance by clarifying what “well-governed migraƟon” might look like in the context of SDG target 10.7 and the Global Compact for MigraƟon implementaƟon Note: “The Global Compact is framed in a way consistent with target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which Member States committed to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration.”MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 4 The MGIs consist of almost 100 indicators grouped under the six different dimensions of migration governance that draw upon the MiGOF categories:

Indicators in this domain look at the extent to which migrants have access to certain social services such as health, education and social security. They look at family reunification, access to work, and access to residency and citizenship. The international conventions signed and ratified are also included. Indicators in this area assess countries’ institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks related to migration policies. This area

and social security. They look at family reunification, access to work, and access to residency and citizenship. The international conventions signed and ratified are also included. Indicators in this area assess countries’ institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks related to migration policies. This area also looks at the existence of national migration strategies that are in line with development objectives and overseas development efforts, as well as institutional transparency and coherence in relation to migration management. This category focuses on countries’ efforts to cooperate on migration‐related issues with other States and relevant non‐governmental actors, including civil society organizations and the private sector. Indicators in this area assess countries’ policies on the recognition of migrants’ educational and professional qualifications, provisions regulating student migration and the existence of bilateral labour agreements between countries. Aspects of diaspora engagement in the country of origin and migrant remittances are also under this domain. This category looks at the type and level of preparedness of countries when they are faced with mobility dimensions of crises. The questions look at the processes in place for nationals and non‐nationals in relation to disasters and climate change, including if humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants as it is to citizens. This area looks at countries’ approach to migration management in terms of border control and enforcement policies, admission criteria for migrants, preparedness and resilience in the case of significant and unexpected migration flows, as well as the fight against trafficking in persons.

MIGRANTS’

RIGHTS

PAGE 13

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT

APPROACH

PAGE 16

PARTNERSHIPS

PAGE 19

WELL-BEING

OF MIGRANTS

PAGE 22

MOBILITY DIMENSION

OF CRISES

PAGE 25

SAFE, ORDERLY AND

REGULAR MIGRATION

PAGE 28MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

5

SUMMARY

SUMMARYMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

6

SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Migrants’ rights

REGULAR MIGRATION

PAGE 28MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

5

SUMMARY

SUMMARYMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

6 SUMMARY SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Migrants’ rights Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals residing in Barbados are entitled to access all health-care services at government facilities, similar to Barbadian citizens. International migrants have access to essential primary health-care and emergency services, but specialized and advanced health-care services may require payment and are subject to conditions set by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. International migrants can access government-funded primary education under the same conditions as citizens. However, only children of permanent residents, those who have resided in Barbados for at least three years, and certain categories of employed persons residing in Barbados are eligible for free public secondary education. Barbados has agreements on the portability of social security entitlements with CARICOM (1996), Canada (1986) and the United Kingdom (1993). Barbados maintains records of its nationals living abroad on a voluntary basis through the Barbados Diaspora Database of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The Government of Barbados requires proof of identity to access civil registration services, and fees are higher for migrants than nationals. Additionally, voters are required to be physically present in Barbados to vote in national elections, as per the Representation of the People Act (1991). The development of a policy or strategy to combat hate crimes, violence, xenophobia and discrimination against migrants is an area with potential for improvement. Whole-of-government approach The Government of Barbados does not have a national migration strategy defined in a programmatic document or manifesto, nor does it have a strategy in place that addresses migrant integration. The Barbados Immigration Department, under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, is tasked with enforcing immigration laws. As per Section 13 of the Immigration Act Cap. 190 (1976), it controls the entry and exit of persons, processes applications for immigration status (such as citizenship, permanent residence status,

The Barbados Immigration Department, under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, is tasked with enforcing immigration laws. As per Section 13 of the Immigration Act Cap. 190 (1976), it controls the entry and exit of persons, processes applications for immigration status (such as citizenship, permanent residence status, immigrant status, work permits, student visas, extensions of stay and entry visas) and issues passports. The Barbados Statistical Service publishes visitor arrivals data on a monthly basis, including on stay-over visitors and cruise ship passenger arrivals by country of residence, purpose of visit and length of stay; and the Barbados Immigration Department collects but does not publish records of regular entries and exits. The Barbados Immigration Department coordinates mechanisms for compiling and harmonizing migration data collected by different governments on an ad hoc basis. The establishment of an interministerial coordination mechanism on migration issues is an area with potential for further development. Partnerships Barbados is a member of two regional consultative processes on migration, namely the Caribbean Migration Consultations (2016) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States–European Union Dialogue on Migration and Development (2000). Barbados participates in bilateral migration negotiations, discussions or consultations with corresponding origin or destination countries.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 7 SUMMARY Barbados has a bilateral agreement related to migration with Canada, which enables its participation in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, as well as two commercial multilateral agreements with Costa Rica (2005) and the Caribbean Forum States and the European Community (2007) that incorporate provisions for temporary labour movement. Barbados formally engaged members of the diaspora and expatriate communities in agenda-setting and implementation of development policy through the Biennial Diaspora Conferences, which took place between 2010 and 2016. Additionally, the Government engages with civil society organizations and private sector partners through the Social Justice Committee, which was established in 2018. Well-being of migrants The implementation of a national assessment for monitoring the labour-market demand for immigrants and the effects of emigration on the domestic labour market is an area for further development. The Barbados Statistical

through the Social Justice Committee, which was established in 2018. Well-being of migrants The implementation of a national assessment for monitoring the labour-market demand for immigrants and the effects of emigration on the domestic labour market is an area for further development. The Barbados Statistical Service collects and publishes data on the labour force; these are disaggregated by sex, but not by migration status. Barbados ensures that recruitment and treatment of all workers, including migrants, is ethical and fair through the following: (a) Migrant Labour Protocol (2015), which aims to prevent the abuse of migrant workers and their rights; and (b) Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Act (2020), which protects workers from discrimination in the course of recruitment and employment. Coordinating efforts to promote the creation of formal remittance schemes is an area with potential for further development. Mobility dimension of crises Barbados includes human mobility considerations in its National Sustainable Development Policy (2004). Additionally, Barbados assists nationals living abroad during crises through the Consular and Diaspora Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, which provides protection and assistance to nationals in challenging situations. Barbados implements the Common Alerting Protocol communication system during disasters to share alert messages in English with the population through text messaging, email and radio and television broadcast. However, it does not take into account the specific vulnerabilities faced by migrants. Other areas with potential for improvement include establishing specific provisions to make exceptions to the immigration procedures for migrants whose country of origin is experiencing a crisis, as well as incorporating measures to assist migrants before, during and after crisis in the country’s emergency management framework. Barbados does not have a regular practice of collecting and publishing data on disaster displacement. The Department of Emergency Management does, however, collect data on the impact of disasters, including the extent of the damage and resource and population needs. Safe, orderly and regular migration The Barbados Network Programme, established in 1996, facilitates the reintegration of returning migrants by offering duty-free concessions on personal items to eligible Barbadians. However, there is potential for developing more comprehensive policies to further support returning migrants.

extent of the damage and resource and population needs. Safe, orderly and regular migration The Barbados Network Programme, established in 1996, facilitates the reintegration of returning migrants by offering duty-free concessions on personal items to eligible Barbadians. However, there is potential for developing more comprehensive policies to further support returning migrants. The Constitution of Barbados (1966, last updated in 2002) and the Employment Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act (2017) have measures in place to protect all workers from labour exploitation, including migrants.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 8 SUMMARY Barbados has specific strategies in place to combat human trafficking. In 2014, it endorsed the 2000 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol) and enacted the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act (2016) as a result. However, the National Task Force on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons does not publish any information about its counter-trafficking activities. Areas with potential for further development include the following: (a) establishing measures to ensure that migrant detention is used only as a last resort; (b) providing regular training to border staff in migration and related topics; and (c) developing formal cooperation arrangements with other countries to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 9

CONTEXTMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

10 CONTEXT Immigration to Barbados has increased in the past two decades after reaching its highest number in the year 2020 (34,869 people).5 Figures from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) indicate that 34,869 international migrants were living in the country as of midyear 2020, which represents 12.1 per cent of the country’s total population (see Figure 1). Disaggregated data indicate that the share of female immigrants (57%) in 2020 is slightly higher than the share of males (see Figure 2).

12.1 per cent of the country’s total population (see Figure 1). Disaggregated data indicate that the share of female immigrants (57%) in 2020 is slightly higher than the share of males (see Figure 2). Figure 1. Stock of migrants (1990–2020) 100K 35K 40 60 80 100 1990 2000 2010 2020 Thousands of persons Emigrants Immigrants

Source: DESA Population Division, International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

Figure 2. Migrants’ sex ratios (1990–2020) 2020 46% 54% 45% 55% Emigrants Immigrants 2020 50%

Male Female Source: DESA Population Division, International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

On the other hand, Barbados has experienced decreasing emigration since the 1990s and increasing emigration since 2000, with emigration numbers reaching 99,611 people in 2020, representing 34.7 per cent of its total population (267,400) according to data estimates by DESA.6 The distribution of emigrants by sex indicated that most of them were female (54%) (see Figure 2). Comparing immigration and emigration figures shows that the estimated net migration in Barbados in 2022 reached -28 migrants. In addition, data from the World Bank show that in 2020, the inbound remittances peaked at USD 85 million, while the outbound remittances were lower at USD 49 million (see Figure 5). 5 Visit the Migration Data Portal for more information.

6 Ibid.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

11 CONTEXT Figure 3. Barbados emigrants’ destination United States United Kingdom Canada Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica Others 0 20 52% 27% 15% 1.2% 0.5% 4.4% 40 60

11 CONTEXT Figure 3. Barbados emigrants’ destination United States United Kingdom Canada Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica Others 0 20 52% 27% 15% 1.2% 0.5% 4.4% 40 60 Figure 4. Barbados immigrants’ country of origin 58% 19% 9% 7.3% 6.3% Others Saint Lucia United Kingdom Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Guyana 0 20 40 60

Source: DESA Population Division, International migrant stock 2020. POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2020.

Figure 5. Remittances for Barbados (1990–2020)

USD 200M

USD 150M

USD 100M

USD 50M

USD 0 1990 2000 Inbound remittances Outbound remittances 2010 2020 USD49M USD85M Source: World Bank Open Data, Personal remittances, paid (current US$) (accessed 31 October 2024).MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 12

CONTEXT

FINDINGS

KEYMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 ///

13

KEY FINDINGS

ADHERE TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND FULFIL MIGRANTS’ RIGHTS 1.1. International conventions ratified Convention name Ratified (Year) International Labour Organization (ILO) Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97) Yes (1967) United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (also known as the Refugee Convention), 1951 No United Nations Conventions on Statelessness, 1954 and 1961

Yes (1972) ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143) No Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 1989 Yes (1990) International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, 1990 No 1.2. Migration governance: examples of well-developed areas Long-term residents, as well as those on temporary work permits, have equal access to social protection provided by the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, similar to Barbadian nationals.7 The National Assistance Act (Chapter 48) (1969) regulates non-contributory social security and has provision for assistance to those in need through financial aid or non-medical support, such as old-age pensions and burial assistance (Article 3), without specific reference to the eligibility of migrants. All employees, regardless of nationality, should have a National Insurance Registration Card, with a National Insurance (NIS) number. Section 13 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act (Chapter 47 of 1966) extends insurance coverage to self-employed individuals aged over 16 and below the pensionable age of 67 years. All employees, regardless of nationality, are obligated to make mandatory contributions to national insurance. Under the National Insurance Scheme, self-employed persons are entitled to all benefits related to social security, except employment injury benefits, unemployment benefits and non-contributory old-age pension.8 For an individual to qualify for a non-contributory old-age pension, they must be a permanent resident of Barbados within the meaning of the Immigration Act (Chapter 190) (1976), with residence in Barbados for 15 years since the age of 40, or an aggregate of 20 years since the age of 18. Certain categories of migrants can access government-funded education and vocational training provided by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training. Admission to publicly funded primary education, which is provided free of charge for all admitted students, including migrants, is solely based on the age of the student, as per the Education Regulations (1982) (Article 24).

by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training. Admission to publicly funded primary education, which is provided free of charge for all admitted students, including migrants, is solely based on the age of the student, as per the Education Regulations (1982) (Article 24). 7 As per Article 21 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, short-term benefits include sickness benefits, employment injury, maternity benefits, maternity grants, unemployment benefits and funeral grants. Long-term benefits include invalidity benefits and grants, disablement benefits and grants, contributory and noncontributory old-age pensions, survivors’ benefits and death benefits (Government of Barbados, 1966a). 8 All self-employed persons must register and obtain an NIS number.MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS: BARBADOS PROFILE 2025 /// 14 KEY FINDINGS Portability of social security entitlements is ensured through agreements between Barbados and CARICOM member States (1996), Canada (1986) and the United Kingdom (1993). The 1986 Agreement on Social Security with Canada enables benefits transfers and equal treatment for individuals under the Canadian Old Age Security Act (1985), the Canada Pension Plan (1985) and the National Insurance and Social Security Act of Barbados. It covers old-age contributory pension, invalidity, survivor’s pension and funeral grants for individuals in both countries (Article 3). The 1993 Convention on Social Security with the United Kingdom ensures reciprocity in sickness, maternity benefits and other social benefits. Article 4 of the Convention establishes that a migrant to either country will enjoy the same rights and obligations under the legislation of the other country as its nationals. The CARICOM Agreement on Social Security (1996) enables persons to apply for benefits under the Agreement and is intended to protect CARICOM nationals’ entitlement to benefits and provide equality of treatment when moving from one country to another under the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Agreement allows CARICOM member States to coordinate their social security programmes, and concerns benefits for invalidity, disability, old age or retirement, survivors’ benefits and death benefits.

benefits and provide equality of treatment when moving from one country to another under the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Agreement allows CARICOM member States to coordinate their social security programmes, and concerns benefits for invalidity, disability, old age or retirement, survivors’ benefits and death benefits. Temporary residents can apply for permanent residency status in Barbados after residing in the country for at least five years, as per Section 5 of the Immigration Act. However, CARICOM citizens, along with their spouses and minor children, upon whom the Order of the Caribbean Community has been conferred, automatically become permanent residents without the need to apply or to pay a fee, as per Section 5(3A). Commonwealth citizens can apply for Barbadian citizenship after residing in the country for seven years, while individuals of other nationalities are required t