Latest update April 16th, 2026 12:40 AM
Racket involving “falsified” work permit letters spark probe
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly launched an internal probe after the discovery of several Immigration letters that appeared to be falsified.
According to the Ministry yesterday, in a public advisory published in the Guyana Chronicle, it has received “credible information” which suggests that unscrupulous persons are involved in creating “lookalike” or falsified immigration letters purporting to show that same were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The immigration letters relate to that of Visa on Arrival, Extension of Stay and Employment Visas that are issued by the department.
“The general public is therefore advised to be on alert for these questionable or bogus immigration-related documents,” the Home Affairs Ministry warned.
“Do not accept them. If you have any information concerning such illegal activities, please contact the nearest police station or the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Only immigration related documents prepared and issued by the Ministry are considered legitimate, the advisory said.
In recent years, the number of applications for employment permits and stay extensions has seen a dramatic increase. Although the Ministry has not released figures, applications have been coming especially from Brazilians, Chinese and Indians.
Sources from the Ministry yesterday said that the “falsified” letters would include those for nationals from Cayenne and French Guiana. High gold prices and a demand for workers in the mining industry have been spurring the number of applications.
Fingers have been pointing at possible rackets right within the Ministry, although these have never really been proven.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether someone right within the Ministry may have been involved.
Yesterday, one source said that there are security measures in place that could determine whether a specific letter could have been issued from within the Ministry.
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