2 weeks ago
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The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has imposed an immediate six-month ban on issuing first-time work permits to Haitian nationals, citing the ongoing violence in Haiti and a continued rise in immigration applications.
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Premier Charles Washington Misick also revealed that his administration will implement a parallel six-month suspension on visa issuances for Haitians, as part of wider measures to strengthen immigration controls and improve public safety.
“In light of the ongoing escalation of violence in Haiti and the steady influx of work permit applications from that country, the Government will immediately implement a six-month moratorium on the issuance of first-time work permits to Haitian nationals,” he said, adding, “There will also be a six-month moratorium on visas that will take effect immediately.”
Misick said that since the fatal shooting on July 21 this year, which claimed the lives of two young people, the police have issued a wanted notice for a suspect.
The island was rocked days later, on July 27, by its first known mass shooting — a gang-related attack that left three people dead and 10 others injured.
“This pause will allow us to develop and implement a more rigorous vetting process for applicants, ensuring the integrity of our immigration system and strengthening national security,” Misick said.
“It will also allow us to align with the government’s broader intention to introduce a quota-based work permit system in the near future.”
Misick revealed that the Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Innovation, Technology, and Energy with leading the development of a Safe City Technology Strategy, in partnership with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and other security agencies.
He said the plan will include smart street lighting, CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and connected traffic policing systems.
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