Barbados: Documentation required and procedures to be followed by a parent wishing to travel abroad with a minor child in the absence, or without the consent, of the second parent
In 31 January 2007 correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative at the High Commission for Barbados in Ottawa indicated that the government of
Barbados does not prohibit any parent from accompanying his or her minor child abroad, even if it's unbeknownst to the other parent. Generally, it is left to the discretion of parents to communicate with each other wherever the well-being of their children is concerned. That has been a longstanding policy of [the Barbados] government.
However, where children are being contested in cases of divorce, there is progressive legislation governing parents' accessibility to and visitation of children. Unless there is proof of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of minors by parents, the government is not vested with the authority to determine one parent's right to a child above the other. As such, any parent could responsibly accompany a child without the knowledge of the other beyond national boundaries.
In addition, in 23 January 2007 correspondence with the Research Directorate, an official at the Canadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago provided the following information:
[The Canadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago does not] require a Temporary Resident Visa for citizens from Barbados [traveling to Canada]. However, the student and worker authorization are applicable. In both applications, if the applicant wanted to travel with a minor child, a written authorization from the other parent would be required. In case it would be impossible to provide, an affidavit explaining the reasons why the other parent's consent is impossible to provide, would be required. This would be requested only when the father is mentioned on the birth certificate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Barbados. 31 Janaury 2007. High Commission for Barbados, Ottawa. Correspondence from a representative.
Canada. 23 January 2007. Canadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain. Correspondence from an official.
Additional Sources Consulted
Internet sites, including: Government of Barbados, United States Bureau of Consular Affairs.