©️PM Office Charles Washington Misick
Turks and Caicos Islands, 5 August 2025.- In the face of the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has decided to suspend, for a period of six months, the issuance of new work permits and visas to Haitian citizens. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Charles Washington Misick at a press conference relayed by HaitiLibre.
This immediate moratorium comes in a context of serious national security concerns, while the archipelago is experiencing an increasing influx of permit applications from Haitian nationals. « In response to the increasing demand and violence in Haiti, the government is putting in place a six-month moratorium on the issuance of first work permits and visas », explained the head of government.
This decision follows in particular two tragic events in July: a shooting that killed two young people on 21 July, followed six days later by an armed attack on Hookah Lounge Island. — first mass shooting recorded in the territory — having caused three deaths and ten injuries. According to the authorities, these incidents involved members of rival Haitian gangs.
The violence and tension generated by these acts have profoundly affected public opinion and influenced the position of the authorities. The Prime Minister stressed that this temporary suspension will allow the selection criteria for foreign workers to be reviewed. It also aims to strengthen control mechanisms within the framework of a future quota-based licensing system, in order to better secure the territory.
W.E.
