Cabinet has approved a coordinated deportation response action plan and established a multi-agency working group.

This is to ensure an orderly, secure and humane process for any mass return of Jamaicans.

The National Security Ministry revealed yesterday that a flight carrying over a hundred deportees, is expected to land today.

The ministry notes, that amid concerns surrounding public safety, particularly in relation to deportees with criminal backgrounds, the government is emphasizing its structured and measured approach.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says arrangements have been made to accommodate incoming migrants with a clear focus on security and reintegration.

He explains that both his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade have been engaged in sustained dialogue with foreign governments and domestic partners to ensure that Jamaicans returning from abroad, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, are received and reintegrated in a structured, coordinated manner.

The technical working group established by the office of the cabinet comprises representatives from key ministries to include law enforcement, social support agencies and civil society.

It is tasked with delivering a streamlined response plan.

This includes reception protocols, reintegration support, security vetting where appropriate, and community liaison services.

Meantime, the government is reassuring the public that the return of nationals with final removal orders from overseas territories is neither unexpected nor unmanaged.

Dr. Chang and Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, say the government has been closely monitoring developments in deportation trends and that systems are activated to manage any potential increase in returns.

Senator Johnson-Smith, adds that the government has long taken proactive steps to address the issue and that existing systems are aligned to safeguard both public safety and the rights of returning j\Jamaicans.

She says deportees are also not a homogenous group, as some have serious criminal backgrounds ,while others have committed only immigration breaches. The government says it’s fully aware of the security implications, and the National Security Council is actively assessing risks and strengthening strategies to protect public safety.

Approximately 2,500 nationals have been confirmed for removal from the United States in line with due process and logistical arrangements, these removals are expected to be executed over the next two years.

In 2023, a total of 655 Jamaican nationals were returned from the US and in 2024, this figure increased to 814.

Between January and April this year, 331 nationals were removed.