3 November 2022
Starting Monday, 7 November 2022, a public consultation will begin on a proposed new Immigration Policy. Hard copies of the proposal will be available from the Post Office, the Public Library and online via the SHG website here: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-consultation/.
Overview
A robust immigration system is a core function of any government, and St Helena’s current immigration system needs revising to meet the future requirements of the Island. The need to reform immigration processes to make them quicker and simpler was identified in St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Plan 2018-2028.
Following a review of the existing policy, in 2020 draft proposals to update the Island’s approach to immigration were put to public consultation. However, following the introduction of the new Ministerial System in 2021, the draft proposals have been updated to reflect SHGs enhanced Vision and Strategy 2022-2025 document. As they have now been altered, a further public consultation is taking place.
The objectives of the proposed Immigration Policy is to:
- Improve on protecting borders and ensure that the Island is safe and secure.
- Simplify and clarify existing processes in order to make them more user-friendly. Enhancing the experience of the general public and businesses with immigration processes.
- Ensure that all applications made under the Immigration Ordinance are processed quickly, fairly, consistently and transparently.
- Assist wider initiatives within SHG to encourage and support economic growth.
The draft Immigration Policy has been developed and updated by SHG’s Immigration Section. It proposes a number of changes, including simplifying Work/Entry visas, and clarifying Permanent Residence Status.
Consultation Details
To ensure all members of the public are able to submit views there will be a number of in person consultation sessions taking place across the Island, commencing on 7 November. A Minister, as well as government officials, will be present to answer any questions.
Views and responses can also be submitted by email through Head of Immigration, Emerald Newman-Yon, via email: emerald.newman-yon@sainthelena.gov.sh.
The dates for the public consultation sessions are below:
| Venue | Date | Time |
| Jamestown Community Centre | 7 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| Chamber of Commerce | 8 November | 7.45pm – 9pm |
| Half Tree Hollow Community Centre | 9 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| Prince Andrew School Student Council | 10 November | 2pm |
| Blue Hill Community Centre | 14 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| Kingshurst Community Centre | 16 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| Sandy Bay Community Centre | 21 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| Harford Community Centre | 23 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| St Mary’s Church, the Briars | 28 November | 7pm – 8pm |
| St Michael’s Church, Ruperts | 30 November | 7pm – 8pm |
Once the public consultation has been concluded, all views will be scrutinised and discussed with elected officials before amendments are made where appropriate.
A note on the discussions during the public consultation, including the number of attendees will be published accordingly.
#StHelena #Immigration
SHG
3 November 2022