Refugee and Asylum Seekers Information - Bahamas Immigration Department
What is Refugee Status?
Universally, refugee status is governed by the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the status of refugees. A refugee is someone who:
- Has a well-founded fear of persecution of his or her:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
- Political opinion
- Is outside his/her country of origin
- Is unable or unwilling to avail himself / herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution
Who is an Asylum Seeker?
An asylum–seeker is a person who is yet to receive a decision on his / her claim for refugee status. This term could refer to someone who has not yet applied for refugee status or someone who is awaiting feedback. Because of its very nature, please note that many applicants for refugee status will not be successful in attaining it.
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.
What’s the difference between Refugees and Migrants?
Unlike migrants, refugees do not choose to leave their countries; they are forced to do so. Economic migrants are persons who leave their countries of origin purely for economic reasons, to seek material improvements in their lives. The key difference between economic migrants and refugees is that economic migrants enjoy the protection of their home countries; refugees do not. Economic migrants do not fall within the criteria for refugee status and are therefore not entitled to benefit from international protection as refugees.
The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a member of the United Nations, and by extension a signatory to the convention relating to refugees. It, therefore, seeks to adhere to the basic tenets of these two international legal instruments. However, the assessment as to who is a refugee, that is, the determination of refugee status under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol, is incumbent upon the contracting state in whose territory the refugee applies for recognition of refugee status.
As the agency of the government assigned the responsibility of Refugee Administration, the Immigration Department works along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It is with these partnerships that we maintain a transparent process, which conforms to international standards.