Local nightclubs that recruit foreign dancers to spice up their entertainment offerings will have to find other creative means to lure patrons as the Government has suspended the issuance of work permits to exotic dancers.

The decision comes against the background of a number of breaches by work permit holders.

There is also concern that persons granted work permits may be victims of human trafficking.

However, the hotel sector will not be affected by the Govern-ment's latest move to restrict permits for foreign dancers.

Information Minister Donald Buchanan, speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Monday said the hotel sector would still recruit exotic dancers, as there was the need to maintain the cultural diversity of the entertainment and hospitality sector.

He told journalists that sectors where permit holders infringe their contracts include construction, nightclubs and small businesses.

Conducting investigations

Mr. Buchanan said the Work Permit Unit of the Ministry of Labour is conducting investigations into alleged breaches of contracts and where there is noncompliance with established regulations, work permits will be revoked.

The Immigration Department will also be taking steps to deport persons whose work permits have expired, and they remain in the country illegally.