Develop Policy For Parole For Foreign Nationals
Foreigners make up 17.8% of the total prison population in Bermuda, and “work is underway to develop policy and guidance that will support fair and consistent consideration of parole for foreign nationals, alongside appropriate coordination with immigration processes.”
This is according to the Bermuda Parole Board Annual Report 2025, which stated, “The population of incarcerated foreign nationals has steadily and significantly increased since 2020, with foreign nationals representing 17.8% of the total prison population in Bermuda as of the 31st December 2025.
“Cases involving foreign nationals require additional coordination with immigration authorities, including consideration of deportation, repatriation, or residency status upon release.
“The immigration status of incarcerated foreign nationals can limit the viability of traditional parole arrangements within the community, particularly in terms of securing both employment and housing. There are also additional practical challenges in assessing risk and readiness for release of foreign nationals, particularly where individuals have limited family or community ties in Bermuda, or where access to background information and support networks in their country of origin is constrained. These factors can complicate the development of robust release plans and may delay decision-making.
“In 2025, foreign nationals were, in practice, encouraged to petition the Governor for deportation at their Parole Eligibility Date, rather than pursue parole through the Board in accordance with past precedent.
“As the proportion of foreign nationals has increased, the Board has recognised the need to ensure equitable access to parole consideration. Accordingly, moving into 2026, work is underway to develop policy and guidance that will support fair and consistent consideration of parole for foreign nationals, alongside appropriate coordination with immigration processes.
“This evolving approach underscores the need for clear policy frameworks and interagency coordination to ensure that parole decisions remain fair, consistent, and responsive to both public safety considerations and the specific circumstances of this group.”
Chart extracted from the report
