Courts - Bahamas Immigration Department

The Court Section of the Department of Immigration is responsible for:

• Prosecution of any foreigner who commits an offence against the Immigration Act (of the statute law of the Bahamas 2000).
• Informing the Department of Immigration of all foreigners charged in the local courts.
• Provision of statistical data and information on:
  • all foreigners who are in breach of the Immigration Act.
  • Bahamians who employ foreign nationals without the necessary approvals and documentation from the Department of Immigration.

After foreigners are convicted by the Courts, a report containing the facts and a recommendation for restriction of entry into the Bahamas, is prepared and forwarded to the Director of Immigration.   This section also contributes to the generation of revenue into the treasury by persons being charged before the Courts for infractions against the Immigration Act. The Immigration Department also liaises with the Prosecution Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Her Majesty’s Prison for foreign persons whose bail would have been denied.

The courts charge persons with various offences, however, the most common charges are:

• Illegally engaging in gainful occupation.
• Employing prohibited persons.
• Staying longer than permitted time.
• Attempting to mislead an Immigration Officer.
• Possession of forged / altered documentation.