THE CAYMAN Islands is offering a two-week amnesty for persons overstaying their visas.
The amnesty will last from Saturday, December 9 to Friday, December 23 said a statement by the Government Information Service (GIS).
Those living illegally are advised to make an airline reservation and leave the country. The maximum penalty for overstaying is a fine of CI$20,000 and imprisonment of up to five years. The penalties for work permit offences range from CI$5,000 to CI$15,000 fines and imprisonment of up to one year.
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
"I urge those who are in a position to take advantage of this amnesty to do so," said Chief Immigration Officer, Franz Manderson. "Those who forego this opportunity will be making a serious error of judgement and can expect to face serious consequences."
But employers and employees who wish to cancel work permits must submit a letter to the Department of Immigration marked 'Amnesty', informing the chief immigration officer of their wish. Employees whose work permits have been cancelled either by employers or by themselves should report immediately to the Immigration Headquarters with a confirmed departure reservation during the amnesty period.
"Every day we hear countless complaints about immigration offences being committed and the effect that this has on our territory. This is a golden opportunity for Caymanian employers to play a part in reducing immigration crime in their country, and I expect that they will act responsibly and turn in work permits for employees that they no longer can provide work for," said Mr. Manderson.
Persons covered by the amnesty:
Persons residing illegally in the Cayman Islands (persons without a valid work permit or lawful permission to remain in the Cayman Islands).
Employees whose work permits have been cancelled (employers may cancel work permits for employees for whom they have no work and for those who no longer have full employment).
