PHILIPSBURG--Authorities held and deported forty persons from the island over the last two weeks for residing on the island without legal documentation.
Those deported were also banned from returning to the island for three years, Immigration and Border Protection (IBP) Service said in a press release on Sunday.
Authorities said the controls will increase in the coming weeks in establishments (bars, restaurants, barbershops), in the various districts and on main roads.
The IBP urged everyone to walk with their valid documents (ID, resident permit) to ensure “swift and smooth controlling.” Persons residing on the island without documentation are urged to “leave the island immediately, to avoid being incarcerated, deported and banned for three years.”
The IBP Director said the department is “working forcefully” to ensure that illegal immigration is tackled. The decision to move forward on stepping up controls has been confirmed and is presently being executed with Immigration Mobile Control Unit, in collaboration with the Coastguard and Customs Department, IBP said in the release.
Information about applying for residency and/or extending one’s tourist stay on the island can be found at www.sintmaartengov.org. Questions may also be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . These email addresses can also be used for assistance to return to one’s country.
