Work permit holders in the Turks and Caicos Islands would face new financial requirements to endorse dependants under the proposed Immigration Bill 2026. If passed, applicants must earn at least $60,000 annually to support a spouse or child, a threshold designed to ensure families can cover local living costs.
Immigration Minister Jamell Robinson stated the policy acts as a "litmus test" to verify that permit holders can afford local expenses. To endorse a first dependant, a worker must earn $5,000 monthly, with each additional dependant requiring an extra $12,000 per year. Authorities will verify these earnings through National Insurance Board and National Health Insurance Plan contributions. Robinson noted that while these rules apply broadly, government employees remain exempt from restrictions regarding public school access, ensuring they retain the option to enrol dependants in the government system regardless of private income.
These changes are included in the Immigration Bill 2026, which also empowers immigration authorities to demand proof that applicants possess sufficient financial resources. Case workers and labour personnel will use these criteria when reviewing work permit renewals to ensure permit holders can adequately support their dependants.