Jamaica's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, yesterday said a number of foreign workers without work permits had responded to his 10-day ultimatum.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Mr. Charles said he hoped that those who had not responded would already be off the island.

"I just want to think that those who did not would not be here," the minister said.

The minister's 10-day ultimatum for foreign workers without permits to contact the ministry or face deportation ends today. He issued the warning at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, last week Tuesday.

"We say to the workers that they have up until midnight tomorrow (today) to contact us," he said.

Mr. Charles could not state how many persons had contacted the ministry since the pronouncement.

He noted, however, that since his declaration, persons had called, written to and visited the ministry.

He said that the status of those who had contacted the ministry would be examined come next week.

"Next week, we will begin discussions on their reports - whether or not they will be denied or granted a permit," he said.