The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services, in collaboration with the department of Registration and Citizenship, are hereby inviting the following members of the general public to visit or contact the Customer Service Center in Grand Turk and Providenciales, at the numbers provided, for the collection of Naturalization and Registration Certificates.

The telephone numbers are:

 (649) 338 2982 - Grand Turk

(649) 338 4121 – Providenciales

or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please note Naturalization certificate recipients’ will be invited to take an oath prior to receiving.

REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES READY FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATES IN GRAND TURK

REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES READY FOR COLLECTION IN PROVIDENCIALES

NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE IN PROVIDENCIALES

NATURALIZATION & REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS AWAITING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

The Public is hereby notified that the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services and the Immigration Department, Grand Turk will be temporarily closed on today Friday, January 22^nd 2021.

In accordance with established Public Service guidelines and efforts to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent the spread of the virus a deep cleaning of the office space will be conducted.

The public will be advised when the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services and the Immigration Department will reopen.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and extend our gratitude for your patience and understanding at this time.

On the 28^th December 2020, at approximately 3:07 am an illegal Haitian migrant vessel was spotted by the Coastal Radar Unit and subsequently intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (Sea Guardian) in our territorial waters approximately four (4) miles off the coast of Providenciales.

The vessel, approximately twenty-five (25) feet long, was subsequently tugged to South Dock, Providenciales by the Marine Branch and individuals were handed over to the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit and Ministry of Health’s Public Health officials for immediate medical assessment and transportation to the Detention Center, Five Cays, for processing. Other supporting agencies including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Tactical team and Ports Authority were available to assist

A total of twenty-six (26) individuals were on the vessel inclusive of eighteen (18) males and eight (8) females.

This interception over the weekend brings the number of persons arriving on illegal migrant vessels for this Fiscal Year to nine hundred and sixty-eight (968) individuals.  Also, nine (9) vessels were successfully intercepted from April – December 2020.

Hon. Vaden D. Williams, Minister responsible for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, stated that he would like to thank his team within the Ministry as well as all the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for the continued hard work and dedication they display in protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands borders.

The Minister went on to say that persons living here who have information about this type of illegal activity to please come forward and provide information that can assist us in eradicating this ongoing problem as it is very costly to the Turks and Caicos Island, as well as to prevent persons from taking this very dangerous journey.

The public is also requested to continue to provide the Immigration Department and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We also encourage the general public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

The Ministry of Immigration in collaboration with the Immigration Department would like to advise the general public that Ms. Jessica Cover, has left the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). 

As a result of her behavior and subsequent conviction within the TCI, Ms. Cover's name has been recommended to be added to the Stop List of the TCI, with immediate effect.

In commenting on the incident, Hon Vaden Delroy Williams stated, “My Ministry and Government will not tolerate this type of insensitive and disrespectful behaviour from no one and especially those transitioning through our shores.” He continued, “We welcome everyone to our shores but we will not condone persons disrespecting our people and most especially our law enforcement officials.”

The Minister went on to commend the Police officers involved for their restraint and thank them for their continued services.

Ms. Covers, who was convicted for the following offences, departed the TCI for Miami, Florida via American Airlines flight number 1576, on December 11th, 2020 at 1:43pm.

Offences:

1. Failing to provide a specimen of breath – fined $200.00 forthwith or in default 14 days in prison. She was also prohibited from driving for six months, with immediate effect.
2. On the assault (punching) charge, she was fined $400.00 forthwith or in default 30 days in prison.
3. On the assault (spitting) charge, she was fined $1,200.00 forthwith or in default 60 days in prison.

Honourable Vaden Delroy Williams, Minister with responsibility for Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, accompanied by his Permanent Secretary Mr. Desmond Wilson, Deputy Secretary Mr. James Astwood and the Commissioner of Labour Mr. Edwin Taylor, accommodated a fruitful introductory meeting with Senior members of the soon to be opened Ritz Carlton Resort, Providenciales, on Tuesday 17^th November, 2020.

The meeting which got on the way at 2:00 pm was held at the office of the Premier with the following persons: Mr. John Hazard, Mr. Corey Guest, Roberto Spita and Mr. Steven Redkoles. A number of topics were covered, some of which are as follows:

• Turks and Caicos Labour Laws (those that are most important)
• General pay (including required or non-required service charge and distribution) & benefits offered on island;
• Medical, dental and other required and standard insurance provided to employees;
• Pension/Retirement plan requirements that are offered in the industry to employees;
• Vacation, holiday and sick leave entitlements;
• Local vs. Expat differences and any potential requirements as it relates to Live-in/Live-out, pay and benefits;
• Offer Letter/Work Agreement templates and requirements;
• Retention rate
• Partnering with any schools, colleges, and Vocational Institutions that have Hospitality or    Culinary or Engineering/Technical programs to discuss partnerships for internships and offering leadership and development courses;

Mr. Guest, the Multi-Property Director of Human Resources during the meeting said that when I exited the plane in Turks and Caicos last year, I felt an immediate connection with the island as it truly felt like home. We look very much forward to a successful opening and partnering with you and the community.

Hon Williams in his remarks stated that he is very elated about the Ritz Carlton Resort coming to the Turks & Caicos Islands next year, as this is a world renown hotel brand. Hon. Williams went on to say that he is confident that the opening of this resort will create major employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is looking forward to the Ritz Carlton team working closely with my Ministry team during the various phases of the project, to ensure that the end result will prove beneficial to all.

The Ritz Carlton on Providenciales is scheduled to open mid-2021.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services, in collaboration with the department of Registration and Citizenship, are hereby inviting the following members of the general public to visit or contact the Customer Service Center in Grand Turk and Providenciales, at the numbers provided, as it relates to their Permanent Residence Certificate, BOTC Passport, Marriage, Death and Birth Certificate application.

The telephone numbers are:

(649) 338 2982 - Grand Turk

(649) 338 4121 - Providenciales

or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BOTC PASSPORTS FOR COLLECTION

PERMANENT RESIDENCE CERTIFICATES FOR COLLECTION

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

DEATH CERTIFICATE FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services in collaboration with the Employment Services Department and the Immigration Department would like to remind the General Public that in accordance with Sections 32 of the Immigration Ordinance (2018 revised), which states:

• A permit issued may authorized a person –

1. If issued by the Director of Immigration, to remain in the Islands for a period specified in the permit otherwise than for the purpose of engaging in gainful occupation; or
2. If issued by the Immigration Board or the Commissioner of Labour, to remain in the Islands for the period specified in the permit for the purpose of engaging in gainful occupation specified in the permit

Section 33 of the Immigration Ordinance (2018 revised) states that All permits that are issued can be subject to conditions or restrictions which may be imposed or prescribed depending on the circumstances. The general public is reminded that full adherence to the conditions are expected.

The general public is further reminded of the following immigration offences to be guide accordingly:

• In accordance with Section 102 (d) of the Immigration Ordinance (2018 revised), it is an offence to remain within the Islands beyond the time permitted by an Immigration Officer.
• A person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or to both; and if the offence is a continuing one, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part of a day on which the offence has continued.
• A person commits an offence in accordance with section 19 (1) (g) and (2) of the prescribed ordinance, which states that a person shall not engage in any gainful occupation in the islands unless he/she is in the possession of a valid permit issued under section 31,39 or 40.
• A person shall not employ whether on his own behalf or on behalf of another person whether under a contract of employment or a contract for services who, under subsection (1), is prohibited from engaging in any gainful occupation.

This press release applies to the following categories:

1. Individuals whose work permits have expired and current employer does not intend to renew;
2. Individuals whose work permits have been cancelled;
3. Individuals who are currently unemployed, and will be unemployed for several months after the curfew has been lifted;
4. If your temporary work permit has expired
5. Persons whose visitor’s visa has expired and they have remained in the country illegally

Visitors are reminded to seek extensions from the Immigration Departments to cover any additional period of stay outside the authorized time.

Please note that this does not apply to the following category of persons:

1. Turks and Caicos Islanders;
2. British Overseas Territory Citizens;
3. Holders of Permanent Residence Certificates and endorsees;
4. Holders of valid Residence Permits and endorsees;
5. Holders of current Work Permits and endorsees or those currently in the renewal process;
6. Permits that remain at appeal status;

Honourable Vaden Delroy Williams, Minister with responsibility for Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, in his comments stated that now that our borders and many other countries borders are opened to international air traffic, all persons residing and/or working within the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally, should make plans to return to their home countries or to any other country, which would welcome them or face the legal consequences for their actions.

Honourable Williams also spoke directly to those companies and individual employers of workers with a valid work permit still residing on Island, stating that if they do not have work for their staff, the work permit card should be turned in by the employer or employee for cancellation and the worker/s should be encouraged to leave the TCI, as opposed to remaining within the islands and working illegally.

Finally, Honourable Williams reiterated his thanks to all concerned for their full cooperation and compliance.

The Immigration Department located at Sam Harvey Building, Providenciales, will be closed from Monday 2^nd November, 2020, to facilitate the relocation of the Department to the former Sammy Been Plaza, which is located on Airport Road.  

The Department will resume normal operation from 9 am on Wednesday 4^th November, 2020.

During the period of closure, the general public is advised that the Immigration Department will be providing services via the Employment Services Department, which is located upstairs the Plaza.

We do apologize for any inconvenience caused, we thank you for your continued patience and understanding, and we look forward to serving you in the usual capacity very soon.

On the 16^th October 2010, at approximately 2:45 pm, an illegal Haitian migrant vessel was spotted by the Coastal Radar Unit and subsequently intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in our territorial waters just off the coast of Providenciales.

At approximately 4:54 am, the Marine branch arrived at the South Dock port where these individuals were handed over to the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit and Public Health officials for immediate medical assessment and transportation to the Detention Center, Five Cays, for processing.

A total of fifty-four (54) individuals were on the vessel inclusive of forty-four (44) males, nine (9) females and one (1) minor.

Agencies that were present included the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Tactical team, Ministry of Health’s Public Health team, Ports Authority team and Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit.

All the detainees will be repatriated to Haiti on Saturday, 17^th October 2020. During the course of the day, the Immigration Enforcement Unit will be conducting investigations of the detainees with a view to possibly charging persons who are suspected to be responsible for facilitating this trip.

The interception this morning brings the number of persons arriving on illegal migrant vessels for this Fiscal Year to 934 individuals.  Also, eight (8) vessels were successfully intercepted for the April – October 2020.

Spend related to detention and repatriation total US$1,206,947.48 as of October 11, 2020 for the fiscal year 2020/21.

Hon. Vaden D. Williams, Minister responsible for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, following the successful interception of the vessel early this morning stated that he would like to once again thank his team within the Ministry as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Branch for their continued diligence and commitment in stopping these illegal migrations. The Minister went on to say that it is very unfortunately that individuals continue to risk their lives travelling on over-crowded vessel to attempt to come here illegally. The Minister re-iterated once again that persons living here and have information about these illegal activities, to please come forward and provide information that can assist the TCI in eradicating this problem as it places a serious drain on the economy.

The public is also requested to continue to provide the Immigration Department and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We also encourage the general public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

On the 9^th October 2010, at approximately 9:28 pm, an illegal Haitian migrant vessel was spotted by the Coastal Radar Unit and subsequently intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in our territorial waters just off the coast of Providenciales.

At approximately 4am, officers of the Marine branch arrived at the South Dock port, where these individuals were handed over to the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit and Public Health officials for immediate medical assessment and transportation to the Detention Center, Five Cays, for processing.

A total of two hundred and seven (207) individuals were on the vessel inclusive of one hundred and forty-eight (148) males, fifty-nine (59) females and two (2) minors.

All other supporting agencies including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Tactical team, Ministry of Health’s Public Health team and Ports Authority were available to assist.

All 207 detainees were repatriated back to Haiti on Sunday, 11^th September 2020.

This interception over the weekend brings the number of persons arriving on illegal migrant vessels for this Fiscal Year to 880 individuals.  Also, seven (7) vessels were successfully intercepted for the April – October 2020.

Hon. Vaden D. Williams, Minister responsible for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, following the successful interception of the vessel and the repatriation of the illegal individuals, stated that he would like to first and foremost thank his team within the Ministry for their continued hard work and dedication they continue to display in assisting to protect the Turks and Caicos Islands borders. The Minister encourage persons living here and have information about this type of illegal activity, to please come forward and provide information that can assist in eradicating this problem as it is very costly to the Turks and Caicos Island.

The public is also requested to continue to provide the Immigration Department and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We also encourage the general public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.