The Ministry of National Security has confirmed that it is preparing to process asylum applications for the 37 Haitians who entered the island illegally on July 10.
 
It noted that 29 of the Haitians were convicted of illegal entry when they appeared in the Portland Parish Court on Tuesday, July 18, and are facing deportation.

However, a human rights attorney, citing civil unrest in Haiti and International Treaties, filed an asylum request on behalf of the Haitians on Friday (July 21).
 
In a release on Wednesday(July 26), the Ministry said it is aware that steps are being taken to assist the group with the completion of the required asylum application forms as a prerequisite to convening the Eligibility Committee after formal receipt of those applications.

This process will be concluded over the next few days, as each applicant has to be interviewed separately, aided by an interpreter to ensure a full understanding of the process – the Ministry said.

Once the applications are received the Committee will convene to undertake the review as well as support from the Attorney General’s Chambers will be requested.

Nonetheless, the Government has affirmed that it remains sensitive to the unstable conditions in Haiti and reaffirms its commitment to working to secure positive outcomes for all relevant parties.