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Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Just when Cayman Islands might need all the hands possible, its department of Immigration offered amnesty for those illegally on the island to leave without a problem or go to jail. The illegals have between October 18 and November 1, to go away. The islands, suffered severe damage from hurricane Ivan and need help in all areas to rebuild. A recent report from The Islands insurance association estimated losses at over US$1.2 billion. Sources estimate materials for restoration of homes and business at US$1 billion.
However, Mr. Franz Manderson, Chief Immigration Officer, said, whatever work one does, if illegal, they will not receive permission to work on the islands. After November 1, 2004 the authorities plan to actively pursue illegal workers. The penalty for overstaying is a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to five years. For anybody (including employers) who knowingly assist a person to remain illegally in the Cayman Islands, the penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for seven years. The tiny island of 50,000 people enjoy cheap labor provided by many non-immigrants from other Caribbean countries
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