It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Labour and Immigration that a message is circulating on Social Media that Minister Keith Bell has announced that he will be giving asylum to all Haitian immigrants, who are threatened by the situation in Haiti. Also, that there will no longer be a need for Work Permits.

This information is FALSE. In-fact, on Friday past, 27th January, 2023 Minister Bell held a press conference in which he categorically stated the opposite. He declared that:-

1. “Existing and new Permit to Reside applications for Haitian citizens will only be considered on a case-by-case basis and approval will only be granted in the most exceptional circumstances.”
2. “No new Work Permit applications for Haitian citizens will be processed until such time as revised protocols are introduced to verify and authenticate documents issued by the Haitian government and the Haitian national police, “
3. “All existing work permits, applications and renewals for work permits will be subjected to the most vigorous review and scrutiny. Applicants should note that as a consequence, the time frame for the processing and determination of such applications will be impacted.”
4. The Government of The Bahamas is resolute in its commitment to protect its borders and enforce its immigration laws. “

The Minister also issued a stern warning to ALL undocumented migrants in The Bahamas to leave the country as soon as possible otherwise they will be deported.