NOTICE FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

Work Permits

The issuance of permits (work and residence) is the sole responsibility of the Immigration Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands and as such, employers are being encouraged to make use of the following facilities offered:

a. Joint Employment of Workers

Employers with insufficient work for their worker/s are encouraged to share workers, particularly in the unskilled workers category.

The process is very simple and only requires the submission of an application signed by both parties to the Immigration Board for review. Once approved, the work permit shall be issued to reflect both employers.

The attached fee is $200.00 and is due at the time of submission.

It is envisioned that this process will assist in eliminating illegal employment, and at the same time make it legal for a worker to be employed by more than one person.

b. Three Year/Five Year Work Permit Issuance

Employers are also encouraged to make use of the three-year maximum for

(unskilled) workers and five for (skilled) workers provisions and to apply with the appropriate fees for permits for their workers.

Once approved by the Immigration Board for the maximum period, the employer/s will only be required to submit a new medical and police record annually.

It is envisioned that this arrangement shall assist the general public and the Board in improving efficiencies at the work place.

c. Information such as status and forms for work and residence

permits can be retrieved from the Immigration Board website:

application.

In addition to this, the Immigration Board shall launch in the very near future credit card size permits, which will be machine-readable and tamper proof. Officers of the Enforcement Unit shall dedicate full time to assisting the Immigration Board in the execution of their functions, by following up on the various decisions of the Board on applications reviewed.

In an effort aimed at not impeding the progress of the Immigration Board Office, the Immigration Department along with officers of the Special Police Immigration Customs Enforcement, SPICE Unit, shall be conducting a number of visits to the various business places and construction sites throughout the islands to ensure compliance with the law.

Please take advantage of these opportunities offered as we do our part in assisting you in a more efficient and effective manner beneficial to all.

END.