The Jamaican government has returned a group of 36 Haitians who landed in Portland on Saturday.

In a release, the Ministry of National Security said the Haitians, who had arrived by boat, were safely returned home on Monday morning.

READ: More than 30 Haitians land in Portland on boat

The ministry said it became aware of the group’s arrival and consequently mobilised through the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Passport Citizenship and Immigration Agency, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the necessary measures to see to their safety and welfare needs.

“Following the completion of our immigration checks and security vetting, the group was denied entry. From the vetting process it was found that there were members who had been previously removed from Jamaica for breaches of entry,” the ministry said.

It said it was in dialogue with the Government in Haiti and arrangements were made with the relevant authorities in Haiti to facilitate the group’s safe return.

It was the second reported boat load of Haitians to land in Jamaica over the last two months.

In July, 37 Haitians landed on Boston Beach in Portland. They have since applied for asylum in Jamaica.

Government said, with support from its partners, it continues to provide support to that group of 37 Haitians.

Haiti has been mired for years in intertwining economic, security and political crises, resulting in thousands of citizens fleeing the country.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 has dramatically worsened the situation, with gangs taking an increasingly strong hold.