Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

26.   Assistance for citizen or permanent resident victims abroad

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   (1)   The Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, through Saint Lucia's diplomatic mission and consular offices abroad, where practicable, shall offer assistance to citizens of or persons holding permanent residency in another country and who are victims of trafficking in persons located abroad, including but not limited to—

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      (a)     assistance in understanding the laws of the foreign country to which the victims have been trafficked, including the rights of the victims, options for reporting the crime, and opportunities for seeking restitution or other benefits that are available under the laws of that country;

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      (b)     assistance in obtaining emergency services, including but not limited to medical care and counseling;

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      (c)     at the request of either the victim or the appropriate authorities in the other country, replacement or provision of passports or other travel documents necessary for the victim to return to Saint Lucia without undue or unreasonable delay;

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      (d)     material assistance in returning to the last place of residence in Saint Lucia in the same manner provided for other citizens or persons with the right to permanent residency for those who become stranded abroad when the country to which the victim was trafficked does not provide such assistance.

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   (2)   The Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, through Saint Lucia diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, shall publish and disseminate both to the appropriate authorities in that country and to possible victims of trafficking who are citizens of Saint Lucia information on the rights of victims of trafficking under the laws of Saint Lucia and the country or countries for which the diplomatic mission has responsibility.

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   (3)   In the case of diplomatic missions and consular offices of countries of destination of trafficking victims, such information shall be provided to appropriate authorities and to potential trafficking victims who are citizens or lawful residents of the country for which the mission or office has responsibility.

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   (4)   Saint Lucia Diplomatic missions abroad shall appoint an officer to be responsible for implementing and supervising plans, and ensuring the provision of services required under this section.