Cabinet approves extension of amnesty for illegal workers

Cabinet has approved an extension to the time allowed for people who are working here without the relevant documents to regularize their status.

The original amnesty, which ran from April 1 to June 30, has been extended to July 31. Since April, less than two dozen people working in the country illegally had applied for work permits.

Labour Minister Glynis Roberts said it is believed that many more are employed illegally.

She warned that after July 31, it won’t be business as usual and anyone failing to comply with the labour rules after the deadline, will be asked to leave the country.

Minister Roberts said engaging in employment without a work permit is not only illegal, but it also results in an annual loss of thousands of dollars in revenue for the government.

“What we are trying to do is to get people to understand that they are expected to adhere to the laws of the country,” she said. “We have to find a way for people to understand that there are rules, like in other countries, regarding visitors and would-be employees.’’

Roberts reminded employers hiring non-nationals with special skills, and promoters bringing entertainers to the country, to also follow the labour procedures. The employers and promoters, she pointed out, must first secure work permits before the would-be employees and entertainers arrive in Grenada.

“Too often we have people coming for a visit, getting an extension from Immigration, and then an attempt is made to process a work permit for them,’’ the Labour Minister said.

“It is disrespectful to the laws of the land to bring in an entertainer or employee as a visitor and expect them to be granted a work permit. Every person entering a country has a status, and the right procedures must be followed as dictated by law.”

The Labour Minister appealed to those concerned to make use of the amnesty without fear, saying the process is meant to assist them in making good on their stay in Grenada.

Source: Caribbean360