Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

More than 60 foreigners, believed to be employed without work permits on a Caribbean Cement Company Ltd (CCCL) project in east Kingston, were yesterday removed from the site by immigration officials.

In an immediate response, CCCL said, as far it was aware, all its contractors had complied with the necessary regulations.

Seven in breach

Immigration officials said of the 62 workers who were picked up in Rockfort, seven were found in breach of the law. The majority were released after it was established that they had work permits. Most of the men are believed to be Colombians.

Those detained were scheduled to appeared in the Night Court in Kingston.

The men were picked up six months after the Government issued a warning that employees must secure work permits for foreigners before employing them.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles said a week ago the cement company submitted some applications for work permits.

"I did sign the permits," Charles said.

According to the minister, a number of employees across the island have been employing foreigners who arrived in the island on visitor visas.

Charles said he has advised all developers/employers that they should not employ foreigners before applying for work permits.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com