Guyana undocumented residents express fears

Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Barbados is expressing fear that some unscrupulous persons are taking advantage of the six-month amnesty that the government has given to undocumented residents to regularise their status.



Norman Faria told the Stabroek News that he has had to provide advice to many Guyanese in Barbados, who felt they were being deliberately taken advantage of.



He says the announcement of the policy gives qualified CARICOM nationals the opportunity to regularise their status with the Immigration Department by the end of November.



However, Mr. Faria says some lawyers have claimed to be in a position to help Guyanese meet the requirements despite knowing that such persons will not meet the criteria.



He says some lawyers charge as much as US$1,000 for the service.



Under the amnesty which became effective on June 1, all undocumented CARICOM nationals who entered Barbados prior to December 31, 2005, and remained undocumented for a period of eight years or more, are required to have their status regularised.