The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services in collaboration with the Departments of Labour and Immigration would like to remind the General Public that in accordance with Section 32 and 33 of the Immigration Ordinance of the 2018 Revised Laws of Turks and Caicos, Permits are authorized by the Director of Immigrations and the Board or Commissioner of Labour for persons to reside or engage in gainful occupations and these Permit are issued with conditions or restrictions set out in the Permit. Full adherence to the conditions is expected.

The public is further reminded of the following immigration offences:

• In accordance with Section 102 (d) of the Immigration Ordinance of the 2018 Revised Laws of Turks and Caicos, 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 in the possession of a valid permit issued under section 31,39 or 40, which 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.

Please note this press release applies to the following categories:

1. Individuals whose work permit has expired and current employer does not intend to renew;
2. Individuals whose work permit has 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 you remained in the country illegally

Visitors are reminded to seek extensions from the Immigration Departments to cover period of stay.

We hasten to add 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 endorsee or those currently in the renewal process;
6. Permits that remain at appeal status;

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

He went on to thank all concerned for their full cooperation and compliance.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, in collaboration with the Labour Department, are hereby reminding persons to Register as unemployed today. Are you unemployed or someone in your family is facing unemployment? Have you been recently laid-off or made redundant? Or maybe you are seeking better employment.

The Employment Services Department urges you to come and register.

Where are we located: 

• #96 Sammy Been Plaza, Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.
• Third Degree, Waterloo Road, Grand Turk
• District Commissioner Offices on the family islands

If you are unable to visit one of our offices, please feel free to utilize one of the options below:

• Red Drop Boxes located at every major food store.
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Why should you register?

1. National Health Concession
2. Gainfully employed
3. Affords you opportunity of referral for jobs being advertised in the Newspaper or websites
4. Better employment opportunities

What do you need?

• A copy of the photo page of your VALID passport
• Proof of your immigration status (i.e. TCI status card, Permanent Resident Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, Freelance Permit and or Resident Permit) ·
• Copy of proof of all qualifications listed on your resume once available·
• Copy of your resignation or termination letter. 

Let the Employment Services Department Bridge the gap by helping you find your purpose and passion, which is the key to career success.

Phone: (649) 338-4555; Mobile (649)348-9340 or (649) 348-2372

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services, in collaboration with the Department of Registration and Citizenship hereby wishes to invite members of the public to visit or contact the Customer Service Center in Grand Turk via telephone numbers (649) 338 2939 / 2982 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as it relates to the collection of  National TCI Status Cards.

NATIONAL TCI STATUS CARDS READY FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services, in collaboration with the Department of Registration and Citizenship hereby wishes to invite members of the public to visit or contact the Customer Service Center in Providenciales via telephone numbers (649) 338 4121 / 4123 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as it relates to the collection of National TCI Status Cards.

NATIONAL TCI STATUS CARDS READY FOR COLLECTION IN PROVIDENCIALES

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services in collaboration with the Immigration Department, is pleased to announce the successful repatriation of 271 Haitian migrants to Haiti.

The illegal migrants comprising 219 males and 52 females, were all repatriated on Saturday June 6, 2020.

Based on information received from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, confirmed the total of two illegal migrant vessels interceptions with a combined total of 136 and 129 respectively, with a follow up in land operation, which saw the apprehension of a further 6 illegal migrants.

The Enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again appealing to persons with information concerning planned and landed arrival of illegal person. Additionally, the marine community assistance is required on poachers’ activities and any suspicious movements. You are asked to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 TIPS.

The Hon Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, in his comments expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all agencies involved in this successful apprehension and repatriation of these illegal migrants and encouraged them to keep up the great team work as we all do our part in protecting the Borders and residents of the TCI, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

He further advised that these dangerous voyages are very risky and not worth the loss of life.

Honorable Williams went on to thank the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Enforcement Unit of the Immigration Department, the UK Marines and our partners of the United States Coast Guard, for their assistance in protecting our borders.

The public is reminded that it an offence to harbour or assist illegal persons and that persons found guilty engaging in such activities are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance 2018 Revised or any law.

As such, the public is also requested to provide the Police with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We encourage the 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, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services, in collaboration with the Department of Registration and Citizenship hereby wishes to invite members of the public to visit or contact the Customer Service Center in Grand Turk via telephone numbers (649) 338 2939 / 2982 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as it relates to the collection of BOTC Passports collection.

BOTC PASSPORTS READY FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

On Sunday May 31, 2020, at approximately 9:06 p.m. the Department of Immigration received a telephone call from Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch informing that reliable information was received that a vessel carrying illegal migrants was in the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands and more specifically, close to Providenciales.

Immigration Officers were immediately dispatched and conducted patrols near the areas of possibility of landings with the assistance of the Police.

At approximately 11:14 p.m. another report was received indicating that the Police Marine Branch had intercepted an illegal vessel.

The blue wooden sloop was towed to South Dock Providenciales by the Police with one hundred and thirty-five persons (136) persons on board including thirty-one (31) females.  They were all handed over to the Department of Immigration and taken to Gustavus Lightbourne Sporting Complex where they are being processed.

This is the ninth illegal migrant interception for 2020 undertaken by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with assistance from other stakeholders, compared to three (3) landings in 2019.

Prior to last night’s interception, for the year 2020, seven hundred and ninety (790) persons have been repatriated from illegal vessels compared to eight hundred and forty-five (845) persons during the same period in 2019.

All detainees are being screened by the Ministry of Health and efforts are advancing with the assistance of the Haitian Government for swift repatriation of these persons.

The Enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again appealing to persons with information concerning planned and landed arrival of illegal person. Additionally, the marine community assistance is required on poachers’ activities and any suspicious movements. You are asked to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 TIPS.

The Hon Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, in his comments expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all agencies involved in this successful apprehension and encouraged them to keep to the great work.

The Hon Minister further acknowledged that the combined efforts of the Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Branch, the United States Coast, Bahamas Defense Force, Royal UK Marines and the Enforcement Unit of the TCI Immigration Department, are doing a great job in protecting our borders, noting that the last vessel intercepted was back in April 2020, when a total of 225 illegal Haitian migrants were repatriated to Haiti.

The General public is reminded that it is an offence to harbour or assist illegal persons and that persons found guilty engaging in such activities are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance 2018 Revised or any law.

The public is also requested to provide the Police with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We encourage the 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, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services in collaboration with the Labour and Employment Services in particular, would like to remind employers of their obligations and employees of their rights with regards to Lay-offs and short–time.

We are conscious of the economic strain that the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on the business community in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the world at large. However, Employers are hereby reminded that any change to salary and benefits must be communicated to staff.

Failing to communicate or come to an agreement means that the current contract takes precedence.

We are aware of persons being laid-off or work hours being decreased i.e. placing staff on short-time. Employers are not allowed to force staff to take leave unless it is in line with section 8. (4) of the Employment Order, which states: “An employee who fails to take vacation with pay within six weeks after it becomes due shall lose his entitlement to such vacation.”

The public is further reminded that 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.

Employers are to note that if you terminate a work permit holder during the period of airport closure, you are still responsible for the individual until it is reasonably possible for that person or persons, to leave the country.

Employers must also ensure that they are in full compliance with section 106 (2) of the Employment Ordinance, by ensuring that their employee/s are still in housing until they depart the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Employers do not have the authority to release a work permit holder to take up employment with another employer. This is an offence. A permit status can only be changed by the Director of Immigration, the Work Permit Board or the Commissioner of Labour and Employment Services, for persons to reside or engage in gainful occupations respectfully. These Permits are also issued with conditions or restrictions, as set out in the Permit.

Self-employed, and employed persons are reminded of their obligation to adhere to the conditions of their Work Permits as imposed by the Immigration Board.  Anyone who fails to comply with the conditions contained within their Work Permits in accordance with Regulations 35 and 42 commits an offence and is subject to prosecution.

As such, full adherence to the conditions is expected and if you have any questions with regards to your employment rights or status in the Turks and Caicos Islands, please contact our hotline numbers as follows: Persons in Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Ambergris Cay, please call 649-348-2372 and persons in North & Middle Caicos, Parrot Cay, Pine Cay and Providenciales, you are asked to call 649-348-3085.

As stated previously, work permit holders whose employment has been terminated and cards cancelled, will need to make travel arrangements immediately through the tourist board email address:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please provide the following information at the time of registration:

Name

Number of Persons in your travelling party

Contact information

Country of origin/destination

The Employment Services Department is also encouraging all Belongers who are unemployed to register with the department. By you registering, the department will assist in finding suitable employment and ensure that your NHIP benefits continue.

You may register in person at the office or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by submitting your resume along with a copy of your Belonger and NHIP card. If you have any questions, please the hotline number at: 649-348-9340

The Ministry, Immigration Department and the Labour and Employment Services Department, would like to thank everyone in advance for their full cooperation and compliance.  

The Mission of the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services is to secure the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and promote full employment of citizens while providing comprehensive migration management to enable people to visit, work and live here lawfully thereby ensuring and contributing to the national security and socio-economic growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry, led by the Hon. Vaden Williams and Permanent Secretary Mr. Desmond Wilson consist of seven (7) critical Departments that are vital for the carriage and success of this Mission. In addition, each department has its own objectives and are equipped with various functions and products that encourages and sustains the development and growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands in all areas.

1. Office of the Minister

Objective: To provide strategic leadership and guidance through the development of policies and laws that are clear and progressive, to focus on the customer by transforming the way we deliver services, to work in collaboration with other agencies to accomplish common national goals and to develop staff and provide resources to enable them to fulfil operational mandates.

2. Immigration Department

Objective: To better protect the borders, as well as the economic, cultural and social environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands by ensuring that only persons with legal rights to visit, reside and work are able to do so in accordance with the relevant laws of the country.

The function and products offered by this Department are:

3. Registration and Citizenship

Objective: To create and manage the vital records of all residents, register all life events, and provide secure identity documents in accordance with the Turks and Caicos Islands laws and Ordinances.

The function and products offered by this Department are:

4. Employment Services

Objective: To attain full employment of legal residents and ensure the availability of required skills in the labour market to support economic growth. 

The function and products offered by this Department are:

In addition, within this Department, there are two (2) Statutory Boards: The Work Permit Board (divided into two (2)) and the Immigration Appeals Tribunal / Board.

5. Coastal Radar

Objective: To improve National and border security by Monitoring detecting and providing continuous update of the Maritime domain. Providing updated on all Maritime threats to enable enforcement agencies to Coordinate and respond in a timely manner.

The function and products offered by this Department are:

6. Labour Tribunal (Quasi Government)

Objective: To review administrative decisions and ensure that employers' and employees' rights and responsibilities are considered and decided in a manner that is fair, just and timely and in accordance with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The function and products offered by this Department are:

7. Customer Service

Objective: To deliver reliable & effective customer service to all through efficient service delivery. Ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience during the submission and vetting process of all applications submitted to the Ministry Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services.

The function and products offered by this Department are:

To the general public please note the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services is here not only to fulfill its Mission and various Objectives but to serve you in the most respectful and cordial manner.

The Department of Registration and Citizenship under the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labor & Employment Services wishes to invite the following applicants to contact the Customer Service Center in Grand Turk and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands as of May 13, 2020:

BOTC PASSPORTS READY FOR COLLECTION IN GRAND TURK

BOTC PASSPORTS READY FOR COLLECTION IN PROVIDENCIALES