PHILIPSBURG–Seven undocumented Venezuelans were arrested during house searches at two undisclosed locations on Tuesday.
The Prosecutor’s Office said in a press release that the Police Human Trafficking Department had conducted an additional raid on Tuesday in connection with an ongoing investigation into the illegal employment of Venezuelans by various construction companies in the country.
House searches were conducted at two undisclosed locations, where administration and a large sum of money were confiscated. The seven Venezuelans were arrested at that time.
The Prosecutor’s Office said working illegally in St. Maarten is prohibited “not only because it diminishes the chances of a St. Maartener finding a job in the market, but also because undocumented workers are often exploited.”
The Police Force, the Alpha Team, the Fraud Unit, Community Police Officers (CPOs) and the Prosecutor’s Office have joined forces to counter this form of crime. “Particularly in the stride to build back a stronger St. Maarten, construction companies and big hotel chains should take their responsibility, respect the rules and counter illegal work.”
The Prosecutor’s Office said its investigation into the illegal employment of Venezuelans will lead to several recommendations to government such as increasing controls for labour law violations.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80761-immigration-controls-net-seven-venezuelans
View comments
Hide comments