Refugee Information - Bahamas Immigration Department

What is the process for assessing requests for refugee status?

The process utilized for assessing requests for refugee status is called “Refugee Status Determination”. This is conducted by means of having migrants do the following:
• complete the necessary forms
• undergo an interview

Research is also conducted on the individuals’ country of origin and an investigation of the migrant him/herself. At the completion of Refugee Status Determination (RSD), an assessment of the case is decided.

Memorandum of Understanding

In order to effect the smooth return of migrants who do not qualify for refugee status consideration, The Bahamas has signed Memorandums of Understanding with both Cuba and Haiti. These documents simply govern the method of return for these nationals.

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

In order to ensure compliance of the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol to which The Bahamas is signatory, the Refugee Administration Unit maintains direct contact with UNHCR (UN governing body), for the purpose of consultation and co-assessment of asylum cases, research of country or origin information, as well as to provide them with our refugee statistics.

The UNHCR’s regional headquarters of contact for The Bahamas is based in Washington, DC.