Approximately fifty immigration officers are to be trained in Saint Lucia this week on issues related to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the free movement of skilled CARICOM nationals.  This is part of a series of training workshops facilitated by the CARICOM Secretariat which seek to ensure immigration officers are equipped to carry out their duties regarding the free movement of persons. This latest two day activity is scheduled for Thursday and Friday and is being executed with the assistance of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CSME and Economic Integration Programme (EIP).

The free movement of skilled labour and hassle-free travel for CARICOM nationals remain vital elements of the CSME and immigration officers have key roles in assisting with these processes. During the two-day exercise, immigration officers will be trained on issues related to the CSME arrangements for facilitation of travel and the free movement of skilled CARICOM nationals. 

The Thirty-Third Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) recommended that Immigration Departments receive this training since they play a critical role in the operation of the Free Movement of Persons regime. The training is intended to provide a clear understanding of the principles of Free Movement and highlight the impact that immigration officers have as frontline officials. Resource persons from the CARICOM Secretariat will be conducting the sessions which will also give participants the opportunity to share their own experiences.

Workshops have been held previously in Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. The training series is ongoing with other sessions planned for the other Member States in the coming months.