Six Haitians Fined for Overstaying in Jamaica After Arrest in Ewarton

Six Haitian nationals who were detained in Ewarton, St. Catherine, late last year have each been ordered to pay a fine of $8,000 or serve 10 days in prison after admitting to overstaying their permitted time in Jamaica.

The four women and two men appeared before the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday, where they pleaded guilty to the immigration offence. An interpreter assisted the group during the proceedings.

Defense attorney Prescilla Jennings asked Parish Court Judge Denese Blackstock-Murray to consider granting bail, explaining that she plans to submit an asylum application on behalf of the individuals. However, the judge ruled that bail could not be granted as the defendants did not satisfy the necessary requirements.

According to reports, the Haitians were discovered on December 14, 2025, when police officers carried out an operation at a premises in Ewarton following information received.

Investigations revealed that the group had previously entered Jamaica with a scheduled departure date but remained in the country beyond the permitted period.

Authorities contacted the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) to verify their status. Following further checks, the six individuals were taken into custody and later charged with overstaying their time in the island.