The recent investigation into the living quarters of 80 migrant workers with a construction firm has reignited debate over who should have the authority to inspect and monitor foreign workers in Barbados, with the Barbados Bar Association (BBA) calling for an expansion of enforcement powers beyond the Immigration Department and police.
Attorney Lynne-Marie Simmons, appearing before Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Economic and Productive Sectors on Friday alongside other members of the BBA, drew a direct line between the controversy over the migrant workers’ conditions and the provisions of the Immigration Bill, 2026, arguing that the current framework for inspections and penalties might be too narrow.
“In light of what has transpired this week, I’m suggesting that we revisit how we’re treating the penalty section as it relates to work permits,” she said.
Simmons zeroed in on Section 30 of the current Act, which requires a person to whom a work permit is issued to produce it to an Immigration officer or a member of the police service on demand or within three days of such a demand.
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