The fate of the three Afghan refugees who arrived in the Cayman Islands in 2000 will be announced this week.
The news was revealed by Immigration Chief Franz Manderson in Finance Committee Monday.
The three arrived on false Pakistani passports via Cuba, reportedly fleeing the Taliban, and have been lingering in a bureaucratic limbo ever since.
Hindered by international regulations and policies, the Cayman Islands Government has so far been unsuccessful in its attempts to deport the refugees.
The Afghan nationals’ lack of proper travel documents and unwelcome nationality has also led to local questioning of their motives and authenticity, which Mr. Manderson says is totally unfounded.
‘We have undertaken extensive background checks on these individuals and there is absolutely nothing indicating they are anything but legitimate refugees fleeing an oppressive regime,’ said Mr. Manderson.
The ‘unlanded immigrant’ status allocated them has prevented the Afghans from being able to work, and as a result approximately $200,000 has been spent on their upkeep while their fate is decided.
‘Over the past six years they have exemplary visitors, volunteering and contributing what they can to the community, and it’s time we make a decision – we owe it to them,’ Mr. Manderson said.
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