Immigration problem costs us millions – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Natalio Wheatley.

Prime Minister Dr. Natalio Wheatley has estimated the cost of housing and repatriating illegal migrants in the millions of dollars, adding that the issue will remain a challenge for the BVI.

Dozens of illegal migrants have been apprehended in the territory in recent months, and Dr Wheatley highlighted the financial burden the current detention system places on the budget. He said the government aims to redirect resources now spent on temporary housing solutions into broader territorial development.

“I cannot see the cost at this stage, but you can be assured it will be in the millions,” Dr Wheatley said of the burden of illegal immigration. “So we are working diligently on a solution, because it is certainly very expensive. We want to use the money we spend to help develop the area.”

Currently, the BVI rents facilities to detain immigrants, and the Prime Minister indicated that the construction of a purpose-built facility would significantly reduce government expenditure. In response to the rising costs of housing immigrant detainees, the government has announced plans to build a new detention facility.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister stated that $700,000 had been earmarked for the development of this center, which will house and process illegal immigrants humanely, in accordance with international treaties, until their repatriation. He noted that the Rehabilitation and Development Agency is currently finalizing the designs and said the process will be approved by the Planning Department before the contractor is selected.

The Prime Minister highlighted the challenges faced by Caribbean and other countries, with increasing flows of migrants from regions such as North Africa and Haiti impacting local resources. He also focused on the broader regional challenge and the need for strengthened border security to tackle not only illegal immigration, but also associated threats such as human smuggling, drug trafficking and arms smuggling.

Dr. Wheatley highlighted the BVI’s commitment to improving its border security measures, noting 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 strengthen the territory’s response to various security threats. The Prime Minister also mentioned the BVI’s involvement with CARICOM in stabilizing Haiti to prevent mass migration from the country, which is affecting the entire Caribbean region.