Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — The Director of the Immigration and Border Protection Service hereby wishes to inform the general public of Sint Maarten, that the IBP is working forcefully to ensure that illegal immigration is tackled.
The decision to move forward on stepping up controls has been confirmed and is presently being executed with by the Immigration Mobile Control Unit, in collaboration with the Coastguard and Customs Department.
The last 2 weeks 40 persons have been held and deported from the island and received a ban for 3 years.  The coming weeks the controls will increase with controls within establishments (bars, restaurants, barbershops) and within the districts and on main roads.
The IBP urges everyone to please walk with their valid documents (ID, Resident permit) to ensure swift and smooth controlling. Persons residing illegally on the island are hereby strongly advised to leave the island immediately, to avoid  being incarcerated, deported and banned for 3 years.
Information about applying for residency and or extending your tourist stay on the island can be found on the website www.sintmaartengov.org. You can also direct your questions to immigration@sintmaartengov.org or visa@sintmaartengov.org. You can also use these email addresses when you need assistance to return to your country.
