BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Mar.31.2018 – WITH the amnesty programme for foreign nationals on Nevis coming to an end, Premier, Hon. Mark Brantley has revealed that close to 1000 people have thus far benefited from the initiative.
The amnesty programme, which started shortly before the December 18, 2017 Local Government elections, is geared towards assisting foreign nationals living on the island to either regularize their status or clear-off any outstanding payments they would have accrued over the years.
As of Thursday, the local government record 974 persons turning up to take advantage of the programme.
Speaking with reporters at his monthly press conference on Thursday (Mar. 30) Brantley said that it has always been the position of the government that those who sought to make the island their home, should make a valuable contribution.
He noted that it is no different from Nevisians who traveled to the United States of America, the United States Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom and contributed there.
“That is why I have always been kind, and always said that we ought to continue to be kind to those who have come from overseas and call Nevis home. They are here, and they are making their contribution and we should not begrudge them if they choose to be here,” said Brantley.
He added that the presence of the foreign nations gives the island a sense of diversity and the much-needed population, while also assisting in advancing its development.
However, the government has found that a number of the foreign nationals are currently here illegally, of which Brantley noted that in many instances it is not a case that they wanted to.
Currently, foreign nationals living on the island with work permits pay $2500 per year, with Residency Fee pegged at $1500 per year. According to Brantley, some people do not pay because they do not have a job or other reasons.
“I am very proud to say that this is the second time that I can recall in the last five years that this government has granted amnesty.”
Officials within the government have found that many persons are taking advantage of the programme during ‘the last hurdle’ and due to the four-day Easter holiday weekend, they have extended the programme for an additional week.
