Stiffer Requirements for Haitians Applying for Permits

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The immigration minister calling an emergency meeting this morning to announce stiffer requirements for Haitians applying to live and work in The Bahamas.

Immigration Minister, Keith Bell, announcing changes to policies concerning the acceptance and processing of applications for work permits and residence permits.

The impromptu presser comes after a recent spate of events in Haiti forced the prime minister to order an immediate involuntary departure from Haiti of all Bahamian diplomats.

On Thursday, the Haitian National Police paralyzed Port-au-Prince, Haiti by blocking streets and forcing their way into Haiti’s main airport. Roads in several cities in north of Haiti were blocked by protestors.

Bell explains what led immigration officials to take yet another measure to address an exceptional circumstance.

The immigration minister says all existing work permit applications and renewals for work permits will be subjected to the most vigorous review and scrutiny.

As for whether these new measures may seem discriminatory toward Haitians.

Now at last report, Bell says there were major challenges for those diplomats to leave Haiti, however, after meeting with Prime Minister Davis this morning they are making arrangements through diplomatic channels to have them flown back home from Haiti.