The public is advised that The Bahamas is a country of laws and governed by the rule of law. Therefore, the Government is obliged to follow the law as outlined in The Bahamas Immigration Act.

The public is further advised that non-nationals seeking employment in The Bahamas must be approved by the Immigration Department and that applications for the issuance of the First Work Permit will not be accepted or considered unless the individual is physically present and resident in his or her country of origin at the time that the first application is made.

It is a criminal offense to harbor a person in contravention to the Immigration Act, which may result in a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years or both.

Further, the public is hereby reminded that Work Permits are non-transferable from employer to employer.  Any transfer from one employer to another under a current Permit may only be legally effected by a new application submitted by that new employer.

The applicant for a new Work Permit, or the renewal of an existing Work Permit, by a prospective employer of a non-Bahamian worker, will be required to satisfy immigration officials that satisfactory living accommodations have been arranged by that employer on behalf of the prospective worker, and that the said worker will not become a charge on the State or be permitted to live in sub-standard housing.

Any person found in The Bahamas in contravention of the Immigration laws will be subject to arrest, criminal proceedings, and, where applicable, detention and deportation.