SUSPENSION OF VISA ISSUANCE TO HAITIAN NATIONALS

Cockburn Town, Grand Turk: The Cabinet of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands at its meeting held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, advised that it approved the suspension for the issuance of new Visas to Haitian Nationals originating from Haiti effective July 23, 2021 until October 31, 2021.

This measure has been taken as a result of a drastic increase in submission of fraudulent documents by persons seeking to enter the Islands, following the dramatic events, which transpired in Haiti a few weeks ago.

The public is hereby informed that effective Friday July 23, 2021, No Visa Applications will be accepted for processing by the Customer Service Department on both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

The public is reminded that in accordance with section 104 of the Immigration Ordinance CAP 5.01, it is an offence to knowingly make a false or misleading statement or knowingly furnish false or misleading information.

A person who commits an offence under Section 104 is liable on summary conviction to a fine of S20, 000.00 or imprisonment for term of four (4) year, or both.

In relation to submission of false information regarding the TCI Assured Travel Authorisation, an offence is committed under Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19) (Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, and a person is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000.00 or to a term of imprisonment of three months, or to both.

Furthermore, in accordance with Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19) (Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020, any person who contravene the same shall be placed on the Immigration Stop List for a period of six months.

The Government anticipates the full cooperation of all stakeholders including the airlines.