Deputy Premier statement on TCI Border Control, more officers and radar repairs

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 16, 2018 – Over the past week there have been numerous sloops making landfall on the Island of Providenciales. The most recent landing was early Thursday morning 15th March 2018 in the vicinity of North West Point, Providenciales. There has been no confirmation of the number of persons that were on board. The Ministry is currently working with Law Enforcement agencies to identify individuals who may have come ashore.  

The Ministry of Border Control and Employment recognizes that the protection of borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains our top priority and in response to the illegal migrant problem faced by the government, a multi-agency operational response was established in January of this year, called Operation Guardian. The main objective of Operation Guardian is to carry out enforcement and compliance activities across the Turks and Caicos Islands by identifying those persons who are illegal migrants or who may be working without the necessary permits and authorization. Through this medium, operations have been successful thus far by visiting job sites, bars, construction areas, restaurants and business places. Since January 2018 there have been 290 illegal migrants repatriated to their homeland. This is an ongoing exercise as the department continues their compliance and enforcement activities with joint agencies.  

The Department of Immigration have recently promoted seven Immigration Officers, recruited three new additional staff members and employed temporary staff to ensure that critical areas are fully staffed.

The Ministry of Border and Employment is presently reviewing the current work permit policies and wish to remind persons that a band is still in effect on all first time work permits for specific countries.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government have secured funding through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to facilitate the repair, upgrade and maintenance work that must be conducted on the Radar System. This work begun earlier this week and will continue over the next few days. Radar Station staff along with the Police are also receiving additional training in the use of the upgraded equipment.

The Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, wishes again to remind persons of his Government’s commitment to improving the protection of our borders and tighter controls on immigration processes. Additionally, he stated that “illegal migration threatens the lives and livelihood of our people and that persons found to be engaged in the smuggling of humans would be prosecuted under the law. He advises all persons to observe the immigration laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands as anyone found in breach of the same will be dealt with accordingly.” 

The Ministry of Border Control reiterates its caution issued to those in Turks and Caicos Islands that might be inclined to harbor illegal migrants, that as a result of the new Immigration Ordinance which came into effect on April 1, 2016, penalties for harboring illegal migrants were increased, and such persons now face a fine of $20,000 on summary conviction or to a term of imprisonment of four years or both. In addition, persons convicted of such offence, face the possibility of having their status in the Islands revoked, making them liable to deportation.

Press Release:  TCIG