PARAMARIBO, Suriname, (CMC) — Government officials from Suriname and the Netherlands met recently to discuss the illegal migration of people from both countries.

A delegation from the Return and Departure Service (DT&V) of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security arrived in Suriname for the 13th Joint Working Group meeting between Suriname and the Netherlands on the readmission of each other’s nationals.

Director General Management and Consular Affairs of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Luziano Truideman, said the two countries had signed a declaration of intent in 2008 on dealing with people illegally residing in each other’s country.

“There are special agreements and timelines for that. You want to do it in such a humane way that it doesn’t have an impact on the person’s life,” Truideman said, noting that some people have been away from their country for decades, no longer have any ties there, but for various reasons have never made an effort to get their papers in order.

“As a result, when they are exposed, they have to come back. That’s what these agreements are for,” he added.

DT&V director, Rob van Bokhoven, said the ongoing relationship is characterised by openness and good cooperation must be maintained, adding that it is necessary in the interest of people who want to make a sustainable return to Suriname.

“From the Netherlands, we stand for a sustainable, permanent return in a humane and respectful manner,” says Van Bokhoven, noting that the working groups are an important instrument for ensuring this.

“As far as we are concerned, it is good that it is continued,” he added.

According to Truideman, an agreement in a larger framework will soon be signed with the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The state-owned Communication Service Suriname said that the working group will end with the signing of the agreement.