The St. Kitts and Nevis Government has extended the amnesty for non-documented Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) nationals to regularise their status.
“The initial policy was based on the contributions of the immigrant population to the development of the Federation.” “Considering the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta said as he revealed decisions taken by the government during their cabinet meeting on Monday.
The amnesty period will end on January 31, 2023.
All fees for visa extensions, work permits, and annual residency have been reduced by 50 percent until December 31, 2022.
The Cabinet has also placed a moratorium on all visa applications from the Dominican Republic and Haiti until June 30, 2023.
The government has reintroduced the interview process conducted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for online visa applications “to ensure that information submitted is properly vetted and consistent so that any contradictions can be quickly highlighted.”
A mechanism will also be established to ensure that all applications for residency and citizenship are thoroughly scrutinised against the Joint Regional Communication Center (JRCC) watch list.