Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Pearnel Charles, Minister of Labour, speaks to members of the media at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, yesterday. Looking on is Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Foreign workers em-ployed in the island without a work permit have been given 10 days to be registered or face deportation, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, has warned.

Mr. Charles made the announcement yesterday at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing that, effective today, non-Jamaicans operating in the country without a permit should contact the ministry in order to be regularised.

"After 10 days [we will] take you to the airport," Mr. Charles stated.

"We feel that we should give you an opportunity. Come in and we will deal with it according to the law," he said.

Mr. Charles also said that inspectors have been appointed and since last week have commenced an investigation into various job markets to ascertain how many foreign workers are currently employed without permits.

Mr. Charles said that all job markets would be examined, such as the hotel industry, commercial outlets and the construction sector.

The move, the minister said, is to "examine some of what or all of what we have been hearing that is negative."

The number and names of persons who have been appointed inspectors were withheld for security purposes, Mr. Charles said.

Since taking office last month, he has often voiced concerns regarding the granting of work permits, noting that the process needs to be strengthened.

He said an audit review of how permits are granted has been ordered. The review is to determine the mechanism used to issue work permits from 2002 to present.

He informed the media that of the 25,000 work permits issued over the last four and a half years, there is no clear account that proper procedures were followed.

"We will be enforcing work permit rules and regulations in accordance with the law," he said.

At the same time, since October 4, employers applying for work permits, must first advertise job openings locally and regionally, and submit a copy of the advertisement along with the application to the ministry. p>