In a letter to the editor published in the issue of May 4, titled 'Immigration query re children', Ruth Jankee shared with your readers her experience in July 2008 when American Airline representatives refused to allow her grandson (a minor) with whom she was travelling from Miami to board a return flight to Kingston without the written approval of his parents, purportedly based on directives of Jamaican immigration.

While we have not issued a directive to that effect, carriers have a duty to ensure that they are neither aiding nor abetting the movement of a minor without the consent of his/her parent/legal guardian, particularly against the background of human trafficking and other offences against children.

written approval

Jankee's experience demonstrates the need for the parent/legal guardian to provide a third party with written approval (notarised) to allow a minor travelling across international borders with a third party, to ensure that they can satisfy immigration authorities.

As a consequence of this incident, it is in our interest to collaborate with carriers to develop appropriate guidelines in order to avoid similar experiences. This incident has heightened our awareness to inform/remind the public of the requirement, especially during the summer period.

We hope her grandson will change his mind about travelling.

I am, etc.

Jennifer McDonald

CEO

Passport, Immigration and

Citizenship Agency