Amid growing national security concerns, Prime Minister Charles Washington Misick of the Turks and Caicos Islands announced at a national press conference an immediate six-month suspension of work permits and visas for new Haitian arrivals, citing the escalating violence in Haiti and the continued influx of immigration applications.

"In light of the ongoing escalation of violence in Haiti, and the steady influx of work permit applications from that country, the Government will immediately implement a six-month moratorium on the issuance of first-time work permits to Haitian nationals. There will also be a six-month moratorium on visas that will take effect immediately," Misick said.

Misick indicated that since the fatal shooting on July 21, 2025, that claimed the lives of two youths, police have issued a wanted notice for a suspect. A few days later, the country was rocked by its first known mass shooting, a gang-related attack in the early hours of July 27, 2025, at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway, which left three dead and ten injured https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45442-icihaiti-turks-and-caicos-series-of-fires-in-haitian-homes.html . The shocking nature of the incident, which involved individuals linked to rival Haitian gangs, heightened public concern and was a key factor in the Government's decision.

"This pause will allow us to develop and implement a more rigorous vatting process for applicants, ensuring the integrity of our immigration system and strengthening national security [...] It will also allow us to align with the Government’s broader intention to introduce a quota-based work permit system in the near future."

TB/ HaitiLibre