On Wednesday, December 8, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force discovered and apprehended one hundred eight (108) suspected illegal migrants in waters near Matthew Town, Inagua. This group consisted of eighty-seven (87) males, twenty (20) females, and one minor. The local Ministry of Health, Matthew Town examined all migrants and determined that they were in good health; the group was subsequently turned over to Immigration officials for processing and investigation.

A search of our database revealed that no applications were submitted in respect of any of the migrants in custody; hence, they were all found to have landed illegally in The Bahamas, an offence punishable under Immigration Act Chapter 191. The group will depart Inagua for New Providence on Saturday, December 11, via Bahamasair, and is expected to appear before the Magistrate's Court early next week.

Currently, the group is being monitored at a secured location on the island under the protection of the Department's Enforcement Unit and Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines.

The public is reminded that the Department is committed to executing the mandates of our agency by effectively coordinating efforts with other Law Enforcement agencies, and international stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Statute Laws of our country.

For further information, you may visit our website at www.immigration.gov.bsor call our hotline anonymously at 1-242-502-0574.