Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

12.   permit to remain in the state

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   (1)   An immigration officer, without deciding whether or not an immigrant is a prohibited immigrant, may, at the request of the immigrant, grant him or her a permit to enter and remain in Saint Lucia for such period not exceeding 6 months as may be specified in the permit —

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      (a)     as a passenger in transit;

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      (b)     for medical treatment;

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      (c)     as a visitor;

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      (d)     for purposes of employment;

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      (e)     for purposes of trade or business;

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      (f)     for any other purpose of a temporary nature, where the immigration officer is satisfied that the immigrant's request for such permit is made in good faith; or

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      (g)     as a passenger, yachtsman or yachtswoman on a yacht licensed in or visiting Saint Lucia.

(Amended by Act 31 of 2001)

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   (2)   The immigration officer may, before granting a permit under this section, require the immigrant requesting the same to furnish the prescribed security.

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   (3)   Where a permit under this section has been granted by an immigration officer, the Chief Immigration Officer may from time to time extend the period specified in the permit up to a maximum of one year from the date of entry into Saint Lucia of the immigrant to whom the permit relates. (Amended by Act 3 of 1991)

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   (4)   Cabinet may grant an immigrant —

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      (a)     permission to remain in the State for any period exceeding one year; or

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      (b)     permanent residence in the State. (Inserted by Act 3 of 1991)

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   (5)   There shall be paid for a permit granted under this Act, such fee as may be fixed from time to time by the Minister by Statutory Instrument. (Inserted by Act 3 of 1991)

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   (4)   The Chief Immigration Officer may, before extending the period specified in a permit under this section, require the immigrant requesting the extension to furnish, if not already furnished, the prescribed security.

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   (5)   The Chief Immigration Officer, in extending the period specified in a permit under this section, may grant the extension subject to such conditions as to place of residence, occupation, or any other matter or thing, as he or she may consider to be expedient.

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   (6)   Whenever an immigrant desires to remain in Saint Lucia after the expiration of the period for which a permit has been granted to or extended for him or her under this section, he or she shall before such expiration present himself or herself in person to the Chief Immigration Officer and shall be dealt with, subject to the provisions of subsection (3), as if he or she were an immigrant then entering Saint Lucia for the first time.