The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment, and Customer Service advises the general public that Cabinet, at its meeting on the 9th February 2022, approved a moratorium on Temporary Work Permit Applications for the following job categories commencing effectively until April 30th, 2022.
Domestic Workers
Barmaids
Labourer
Barber
Cosmetologists (Nail Techs, beauticians, etc.)
The moratorium will coincide with the development of a National Workforce Development Strategy and Employment Policy. The government is also conducting a review of the Immigration Ordinance in collaboration with The Ministry of Immigration & Border Control, Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy & Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services in efforts to ensure that our current laws and regulations help to protect our borders and assist in the economic stability of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The government notes the need to enhance the migrant worker program to meet the demands of the market however, there must be a priority placed on the development of its people. The government is confident that the moratorium will allow for a proper assessment of the market needs, which will, in turn, lead to the development, implementation, and sustainability of a sound National Development Plan and Employment Policy. The government recognizes the need for community engagement which we plan to achieve through a series of key stakeholder meetings including, but not limited to, town halls and interviews.
The Ministry thanks everyone in advance for your compliance and understanding and we look forward to your input in the coming months.
