COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos Islands, CMC – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has announced an immediate six-month moratorium on the issuance of first-time work permits to Haitians, citing escalating violence in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a steady influx of immigration applications.
Premier Charles Washington Misick also announced that his government will enforce a six-month freeze on visa issuances for Haitian citizens as part of broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and enhance 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 July 21, this year, fatal shooting that claimed the lives of two young people, police have issued a wanted notice for a suspect.
The island was rocked days later, on July 27, by its first known mass shooting involving a gang-related attack, which 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,” Premier Misick said.
“It will also allow us to align with the government’s broader intention to introduce a quota-based work permit system shortly.”
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 bright street lighting, CCTV, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and connected traffic policing systems.
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