St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG), for an extension to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for a period up to April 2028.
As part of this agreement, the UKG has committed to a total investment of up to £9.05 million to St Helena. A one-off payment of £8 million will be used to support the Government’s strategic priorities and reflects UKG’s continued commitment to the island’s long term sustainable development. Key investment areas include improvements in health and education outcomes, as well as investment in telecommunications and renewable energy infrastructure.
UKG, recognising St Helena’s valued place within the British family, further confirms that it will make a one-off unrestricted ex-gratia payment to SHG of £250,000.
Included in the £9.05 million, is up to £800,000 to strengthen preparedness for any potential future migrant arrivals. This includes provision of appropriate accommodation, upgrades to IT systems and data protection processes, capability training for immigration officials and funding for a dedicated project manager.
This extension represents a continuation of the current MOU, available on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/UK-St-Helena-MOU-BIOT-Migrants.pdf, and remains an interim contingency solution in the event that migrants reach BIOT. Details of the extension to the MOU will be published shortly. While UKG does not anticipate that the full duration of the extension will be required, both governments have agreed that establishing a maximum timeframe provides clarity and avoids the need for further extensions.
Thawing of the UK State Pension uplift for eligible residents was an element of the St Helena Government’s negotiating position. The UKG has confirmed there has been no change to their policy on uplifting State pensions.
There have been no new migrant arrivals on Diego Garcia since 2022. In the event migrants arrive on BIOT in the future, UKG and SHG will take reasonable steps to screen migrants prior to transfer to St Helena. Individuals will be free to depart, but will not be permitted to remain on BIOT. With funding from the UKG, St Helena will take responsibility for processing asylum claims in line with established procedures, providing accommodation and further support where appropriate. This is an extension of an existing arrangement. The arrangement gives recognition to the financial and resource constraints on St Helena and ensures there will be no additional financial burden on the island.
SHG remains committed to ensuring that all arrangements are managed responsibly, with the focus on maintaining the wellbeing of the community while respecting our humanitarian obligations.
The Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE said:
“I am pleased that we have reached agreement with the UK Government to extend the BIOT Memorandum of Understanding.
This arrangement secures up to an additional £9.05 million investment in St Helena which will help us progress important priorities that will benefit our community over the long term.
It is disappointing that UKG’s position on pension uplift for eligible pensioners on St Helena has not changed.
I would like to acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by both St Helena Government and UK Government officials in reaching this agreement. I also want to thank our community for its patience and understanding while these complex discussions have been taking place.
Above all, this arrangement provides an opportunity to invest in St Helena’s future, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting the community, and helping to build a more resilient, sustainable and confident island for the years ahead.”
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