Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 1, 2025 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has announced an immediate six-month freeze on the issuance of first-time work permits and visas for Haitian nationals. The measure, approved in Cabinet on July 30 and taking effect July 31, is linked to what officials describe as “ongoing instability in Haiti and the resulting influx of applications from this region.”
According to the government’s official notice, the moratorium is intended to give authorities time to develop an “enhanced vetting process and sustainable quota system” for managing labour migration and national security concerns long term.
The Cabinet decision states the objective is to ensure “the orderly management of labour migration” while addressing national security risks.
Public reaction on social media, though limited in volume, has already shown early signs of support. One user responded with a simple “FANTASTIC,” while another wrote, “Should have been longer.” A third post using a “suck teeth” expression, a common local gesture of exasperation, drew the most engagement—garnering 29 reactions and 9 shares within hours of posting.
As of press time, no organized opposition has surfaced, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson, has not made a formal public statement.
This is the first such moratorium on work permits and visas for Haitian nationals in recent years. The move comes just days after Premier Washington Misick linked the Haitian community to rising crime levels during a national press briefing, a comment that has sparked debate and drawn both praise and concern.
Whether the freeze finds favour or foes across wider society remains to be seen—but the decision is now in effect.
