16 Haitians Ordered Removed from Jamaica for Overstaying Transit Period

McKoys News | 2025-12-03 | Original Article

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A St Catherine Parish Court judge has ordered 16 Haitian nationals to leave Jamaica after they were found to have overstayed the three-day period granted upon arrival.

 

The ruling came after the group was brought before the court on charges related to immigration breaches, following a police operation on Monday at a property on Andrea Crescent in Edgewater, Portmore. The residence, operating as an Airbnb, was found housing 21 males and eight females, including a juvenile.

 

Investigations revealed that the group had arrived legally at Norman Manley International Airport between November 26 and 30, admitted for transit to Panama. They were transported to the Portmore property, registered, and assigned rooms.

 

Authorities said the majority overstayed, leading to their detention and processing at a Portmore police station. The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) assisted with verification and travel arrangements.

 

Of the 29 individuals detained, 13 who still had valid authorisation to leave were released and departed Jamaica on December 2 and 3. The remaining 16 were escorted to the airport on Wednesday and placed on outbound flights following the court order.

 

Police disclosed that the property had been previously monitored, but the increase in occupancy by Haitian nationals raised concerns among residents and law enforcement. The operator of the premises has been warned and is expected to face further questioning as authorities continue their investigation into possible organized migration activities.

 

The probe into the matter remains ongoing.