TCI Border Force is issuing a warning on Immigration Offences and Reinforces Legal Consequences. The public is hereby reminded that harbouring or facilitating the entry of illegal migrants is a serious criminal offence under the Immigration Act, punishable by fines of up to $20,000 and up to four years of imprisonment and that authorities are fully committed to prosecuting anyone found in violation of these laws to the fullest extent.
The Border Force remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the integrity of our borders, safeguarding lawful employment, and upholding the rule of law. Any breach of the Immigration Act will be met with decisive enforcement action.
The public is reminded of the following legal provisions under the TCI Immigration Act;
1. Section 12(1) A person shall not engage in any gainful occupation in the Islands unless he is lawfully authorized to do so, including being in possession of a valid work permit or otherwise exempt under law.
2. Section 12(2) A person shall not employ another person who is prohibited from engaging in gainful occupation under subsection (1).
3. Section 95(2) Any person who employs an individual not lawfully permitted to work commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to:
a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both;
and, in the case of a continuing offence, an additional fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day the offence continues;
with the court further empowered, upon repeated offences, to suspend a business license for a period not exceeding six months.
4. Section 105 A person who assists or facilitates the transportation or entry into the Islands of an individual known, or reasonably suspected, to be an unlawful entrant commits an offence and is liable
on summary conviction, to a fine of $20,000 or imprisonment for four years, or both; or
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for up to seven years.
5. Section 105 Where such actions place individuals at risk: A person who facilitates unlawful entry in circumstances giving rise to a danger of death or serious harm is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for up to fourteen years.
6. Section 106 A person who knowingly harbours an individual unlawfully present in the Islands commits an offence and is liable:
on summary conviction, to a fine of $20,000 or imprisonment for four years, or both; or
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for up to seven years.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson stated: “The integrity of our borders is fundamental to our national security, economic stability, and the rule of law. The legislation is clear, and enforcement will be unwavering. Those who employ, harbour, or facilitate unlawful entry will face the full extent of the law. We call on all residents and businesses to act responsibly and support the protection of our Islands.”
Anyone with information regarding irregular migration is strongly urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, through the Crime Stoppers P3 app or via email at tciintel@gov.tc.
