By Warren Bertram
The National Workers Union (NWC) has called for the management of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) to put an end to using customer service agents to carry out aspects of the functions of gazetted immigration officers at its Extension of Stay unit.
The Extension of Stay unit is responsible for assessing foreign nationals to determine if they qualify for visitor's extension, work permit and permanent residence.
The union claims that the practice, instituted more than a year ago, is a security risk as it relates to terrorism, human trafficking and the entrance of prohibited or undesirable immigrants.
The union adds that, from the perspective of the immigration officers, it has been a sore point because they see it as an attempt by PICA's management to devalue their roles and functions.
It says the immigration officers have shared their concern with PICA's management, and their union has even sought the intervention of the Minister of National Security and the Permanent Secretary.
To that end, a meeting was held with the minister, representatives of the union, PICA's management and union delegates.
From this meeting the management was instructed to cease the practice and remedy the situation by allowing the immigration officers to carry out their full functions according to Jamaica's immigration laws.
But, the National Workers Union says the situation has not changed since the meeting.
It says PICA's management has formally been advised that the officers will no longer participate in this unlawful act and will only act in accordance with the relevant sections of the law.
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