News
Ministry of Immigration Launches Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Immigration Ordinance and Regulations
#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services has announced the launch of public consultations on the proposed amendments to the Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Ordinance.
The Ministry, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, who has remit for citizenship, and the Immigration and Population Policy Council (IPPC), has concluded its internal reviews of the ordinance and has gained Cabinet’s approval to engage the public on the proposed amendments.
Key highlights are the proposed time limits on work permits, the changes to residency by investment, the increased powers of officers, the vestment of authority in the Director General and the need for persons to carry proof of status producible upon request by an officer.
Additionally, there are new categories of PRC and temporary work permits and the opportunity for business visas
The public consultation will be undertaken in three main phases, the first being the publication of the proposed amendments on June 30th, followed by the launch of an online survey and email address for feedback on 15th July and countrywide face-to-face live engagement with the public commencing the week of 17th July. The entire process will be brought to a close on 31st July 2023.
The Minister of Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Arlington A. Musgrove, in speaking on the initiative states, “My team and I, along with the members of Cabinet, have put in long hours and engaged in deep debate about what improvements should be proposed for the Immigration Ordinance. Likewise, the Chair and members of the IPPC and the management of the Ministry of Home Affairs have also been instrumental in their contribution to this process.
“I am now asking that the public make a concerted effort to actively participate in the many avenues for engagement on the proposed amendments and to ensure that they provide feedback so that we all work together to shape the future of our beloved country.”
Notices of the commencement of future phases will be issued in due course and the public is encouraged to participate in the consultation process.
Click the link below to view the proposed amendments to the TCI Immigration Ordinance 2021.