Illegal Jamaicans must leave Bermuda or be expelled

Jamaicans living in Bermuda and who are considered to be on the island illegally have been given 30 days to leave the country or face deportation.



The government says it will be taking a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal immigrants and will prosecute persons found to be living or working in the country without permission.



Bermuda’s immigration officer David Burch says Jamaicans account for a large portion of over 200 illegal immigrants in the country.



According to Burch a small group of Jamaicans who have overstayed their visiting permits have been breaking the country’s laws.



He says the country will not allow the lawlessness to continue.



Burch says he has already met with Jamaican representatives in the country to discuss his concerns.



He says any action taken against the Jamaicans would not target those abiding by the laws, but those who continue to blatantly flout the law.



According to Burch while Jamaicans are not the only offenders, they are the most prolific.



He says illegal Jamaicans who are found to be involved in illegal activities will be prosecuted and placed on the country’s stop list.