One hundred seventy (170) Haitian and two (2) Cuban nationals were arraigned on Friday, 14th January 2022, in Magistrate Court #1 and #2 before Magistrates Shaka Serville and Algernon Allen Jr., for various violations of the Immigration Act. The group of Haitian nationals was charged with Illegal Landing. Thirty-three (33) were subsequently convicted and fined $100.00 each or, in default of payment, ordered to serve two (2) weeks at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS).
The remaining one hundred thirty-seven (137) migrants were convicted and given a conditional discharge, with the stipulation
that any further violation of the Immigration Act would result in a $300.00 fine and/or three (3) months imprisonment at BDOCS.
The Cuban nationals were convicted of Overstaying and were conditionally discharged with the same stipulations as the conditionally discharged Haitian migrants. Additionally, deportation at their own expense was recommended. Upon payment of fines or completion of custodial sentences, all migrants were ordered to be turned over to the Department of Immigration for deportation.
The public is reminded that we are committed to executing the mandate of our agency by effectively coordinating efforts with our Law Enforcement partners and international stakeholders. This will ensure compliance with the Statute Laws of The Bahamas.
For further information, you may visit our website at http://www.immigration.gov.bs or call our hotline anonymously at 1-242-502-0574.
Source: Department of Immigration, Public Relations Unit
