‎ Saint Lucia launches draft National Migration Policy grounded in data and diaspora engagement

The Government of Saint Lucia, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched its draft National Migration Policy, positioning the country as a regional leader in evidence-based, inclusive migration governance. The policy, launched with an Official Media Briefing and Panel Discussion on Monday 18 May, reflects a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, grounded in data, stakeholder consultations, and a forward-looking vision that recognizes migration as a driver of sustainable development.

At its core, the draft National Migration Policy seeks to ensure that migration in Saint Lucia is effectively measured, monitored, and managed through a gender-sensitive, rights-based, and development-oriented framework. It prioritizes key areas such as labour migration, diaspora engagement, data systems, protection of vulnerable groups, and migration governance in times of crisis, while promoting national resilience and inclusive growth.

Speaking at the official media briefing, Patrice Quesada, IOM Caribbean Coordinator, emphasized that migration is a cross-cutting issue that “does not belong to one sector” but “cuts across different aspects” of society, requiring coordinated action from government, civil society, and the private sector. He noted that the policy is built on extensive data and consultation, ensuring it reflects the realities of Saint Lucia’s migration landscape.

Highlighting the broader regional context, Mr. Quesada pointed to demographic decline and labour shortages as critical challenges facing Caribbean countries. He explained that Saint Lucia’s proactive approach demonstrates how migration can be leveraged as part of the solution, helping address workforce gaps, strengthen resilience, and support long-term development. He further underscored that the country is “showing what developing a migration policy that is fit for purpose and forward-looking” can achieve for the region.

Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs, Julian Dubois, highlighted the transformative role of the diaspora, calling for a shift from “brain drain” to “brain gain” and “brain circulation.” He stressed that migration should not be seen as a loss, but rather as a strategic asset, noting that “migration is not just a statistic, it is a living, breathing bridge” connecting Saint Lucia to global expertise, innovation, and investment. 

 “The island of Saint Lucia may be bounded by 238 square miles of beautiful Caribbean island, but the nation of Saint Lucia is global.  Effective migration management is the key that unlocks this global potential.”

The Ambassador urged stakeholders to strengthen diaspora engagement through structured and modern mechanisms, including knowledge exchange and investment opportunities, to unlock the full development potential of Saint Lucians abroad. He emphasized that remittances, which play a critical role in supporting households, must be complemented by policies that encourage long-term investment and economic transformation.

The policy was developed through a comprehensive, multi-year consultative process involving government ministries, civil society organizations, international partners, and the Saint Lucian diaspora, with the support of the IOM Development Fund. This inclusive approach helped ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected, reinforcing the policy’s objective of balancing national interests with humanitarian considerations and human rights.

As the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs moves forward to engage the Cabinet of Ministers toward finalization and adoption of the policy, stakeholders acknowledged that implementation will be critical. The next phase will include further consultations, refinement, and the development of a costed implementation and monitoring framework to translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes.

For more information about IOM’s involvement in this process, contact Maxine Alleyne-Esprit, Communications Officer, IOM Caribbean malleyne@iom.int 

 About IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM works closely with governments and partners to support migration governance, humanitarian response, and sustainable development.