Nassau, Bahamas (CMC) — The Bahamas Immigration Department says it has successfully prosecuted four Jamaicans who were residing in the country illegally.
The department said it was reminding companies and employers that only Bahamian citizens and holders of Resident Spousal permits and certificates of permanent residence with the right to work are permitted to engage in gainful employment.
“All others must apply for a work permit granting the authorization to work. Employers are further reminded that employing persons illegally is in direct contravention of the Immigration Act and persons doing so will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” it added.
The department said that Richard Brown and Steven Whyte were arrested on July 13 after they were found to have overstayed their visit to the Caribbean country.
Brown was allegedly found working as a barber here while Whyte worked as a car wash attendant.
“Neither of them was in possession of a valid work permit authorizing them to engage in gainful employment. As a result, they were charged with overstaying and engaging in gainful employment ,” the Department said, noting that they were convicted on both charges and were US$1,500.00 or 3 months imprisonment on each charge. They are also to be deported.
The other two, Alison Marie Johnson and Lucille Veronica Simpson, were arrested earlier this month after the expiration of their visitor’s stay last year.
The department said they were both charged with overstaying and were both fined US$1,500 or in default of payment serve a three-month prison term. They are also to be deported.
The four have not yet paid the fine and as such, have been remanded at the Department of Corrections.