Gifford

A day after Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles gave a 10-day ultimatum to foreign workers to become registered or be shipped out, several queries have been directed at the ministry.

Alvin McIntosh, Permanent Secretary at the ministry, told The Gleaner yesterday that, while no unregistered foreign workers turned up at the office for work permits, more than 50 calls had been received about the matter.

"There were more calls (from) people seeking clarifications to the statement that the minister made," McIntosh said.

Foreign workers without permit

On Wednesday, Minister Charles said that reports had shown that foreign workers were operating in the country without a work permit. He said they had 10 days to contact the ministry or, if found, they would be faced with deportation.

McIntosh said: "Perhaps persons (unregistered foreign workers) are there, but as we get nearer to the 10 days, they will come in."

The Permanent Secretary said that, of the queries made yesterday, persons wanted to find out whether expired permits would be renewed, if current applications would be processed, and if work permit fees would be increased.