19 Indians jailed for overstaying and illegally departing Dominica

Police in Dominica arrested 19 Indians for overstaying in the country. The individuals were presented before Portsmouth Magistrate court on Monday. Police reported that these individuals arrived legally in Dominica on February 21, 2021, and March 21, 2021, and permits to stay for a period of three weeks was granted on arrival. On the morning of April 17, these people were spotted at the E.O Leblanc Highway at Dublanc, where they were travelling on a passenger bus. The bus was stopped by Border Patrol Unit and officers attached to the Colihaut Police Station. Law enforcement officials stated that the bus was loaded with luggage, and each of the individuals had their passports with some amount of US dollars in possession.

The people had decided to depart a boat and illegally and leave Dominica through seaways. They have also accompanied two local Dominicans who were boarded the same passenger bus.

As per the media reports, the people pleaded guilty to the charges, and the prosecution then tendered their passports as exhibits in the case.

Following request remission by their Counsel Wayne Norde, Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette- George forced a fine of $3000.00 against each offender to be paid immediately and, in default, two months imprisonment.

Further, the prosecution presented an appeal to the court to have the Indians expelled from the country, which Norde opposed to.

Following arguments by the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate Carrette-George allowed the repatriation order, and the individuals were ordered to be removed from Dominica after they paid their fines; however, because of the inability of paying the fine amount, they will have to be imprisoned for two months Dominica State Prison. Thousands of Indian migrate from the country to have a better future in the United States of America. Travel agents in India often take thousands of dollars from these people by showing them "American dreams."

The people are illegally taken to the United States via Panama, but now it seems that Dominica is an easy target as Indians does not require a visa to visit the Caribbean country.