CARICOM meeting reports on progress of Migration Policy Framework (CMPF)

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has recently examined a report on the Draft CARICOM Migration Policy Framework (CMPF).

This was done at a virtual technical meeting on Thursday, July, 3, 2025 that brought together representatives from CARICOM Member States, regional institutions and development partners.

A CARICOM release states that the Draft Framework, informed by over 50 consultations during 2024 and 2025, aims to address key priorities like labour mobility, environmentally induced migration, border management, and diaspora engagement. It explains that the CMPF is being developed using a multi-stakeholder approach to support sustainable development and uphold human rights.

The virtual meeting offered participants updates on the structure and review process of the CMPF and provided the opportunity to provide initial feedback that will inform the draft policy in preparation for full review by the CARICOM Member States.

Programme Manager in the Directorate of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat Sherwin Toyne-Stephenson, noted that this regional approach to migration policy is part of an ongoing process to enhance the benefits of migration in the region.

In his words, “The policy builds on and integrates The Free Movement Regime, including the movement of skilled nationals” .

The CMPF is expected to serve as a cornerstone for support to free movement and migration governance across the Caribbean. It is also aligned with both regional international frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration. National-level consultations with civil society organizations will take place throughout July, 2025 demonstrating CARICOM’s commitment to ensure that the policy considers the needs of all citizens, strengthens partnerships with representative groups, and is fit for purpose.

The multi-year process is being made possible through the generous financial support of the European Union’s Building Migration Partnerships programme, delivered through the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC is supporting IOM and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to facilitate CARICOM’s initiative to develop a regional approach to migration governance. This support is part of Canada’s broader commitment to support migrants in the Americas. The CARICOM release says their contributions have been critical in promoting a coordinated, evidence- based, and inclusive approach throughout the development of the CMPF.

The migration policy is expected to help advance all the SDGs.