TCI Employment Department says no renewal for some work permits, enforcement inspectors activated

#TurksandCaicos, January 17, 2018 – Providenciales – Changes at the Department of Employment Services continue to be rolled out and this time it will mean that some work permit holders will not be receiving a renewal.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Border Control and Employment issued a media statement advising that final work permit notations will be upheld and that means, those having already received those notations will not be eligible for a renewed worker’s permit.   It is less clear what impact this will have on the migrant worker population in the country, as Magnetic Media was unable to get a figure on how many work permit holders have been issued the ‘Final Work Permit’ notation.

The Ministry in their statement said, “This measure is a part of the Ministry of Border Control and Employment’s ongoing efforts to regularize migrant employment in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  While it is not a new policy directive, it is one that was largely not enforced over the years.”

It is a common sentiment on social media by residents of the Turks and Caicos that there needs to be stricter enforcement at the Labour Department, many believe qualified islanders are being blocked from holding the higher paying jobs.   The ‘Final Work Permit Notation’ is a legal measure, supported by the Immigration Ordinance where in Section 26 it is explained that ‘A permit may be limited in duration to the period specified in the permit and shall be issued subject to such condition or restriction which may be prescribed…’

Employment Services can take this position on a work permit for a variety of reasons, Magnetic Media is told, including that there is no Belonger understudy, that there is no company staffing plan, that the Employment Services Department Board feels the work permit holder is working contrary to law and can also be related to the length of time the work permit has been held by an individual.

The announcement yesterday is further fulfillment of the PDM Administration’s promise for reform with a greater commitment, it is explained, to enforcement by Labour Department inspectors.

“…advises employers that there will be increased inspections of establishments throughout the country to ensure that all employment activities are in keeping with the Immigration and Employment laws, and further to ensure that employers are actively engaged in the recruitment, training and promotion of Turks and Caicos Islanders who are qualified to hold positions that are currently filled by migrant workers.”

The Ministry of Border Control and Employment is also entreating the public to report suspected infractions by employers, and in their statement published in full at our Magnetic Media website, provides the contact number.

“This will also provide the Ministry with a greater measure of control over the ability of migrants to acquire eligibility for other residency and citizenship status.”

The TCI pockets over $18 million per year in work permit fees according to published Budgets; the fourth largest revenue earner for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

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