Government on Track to Digitize Immigration Processing System

Hon. Jamell Robinson, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, has revealed that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is moving ahead with plans to overhaul the country’s immigration processing system through the introduction of a comprehensive digital platform using the latest technology.

Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon. Jamell Robinson

The minister made the announcement while delivering his ministerial statement in the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Parliament on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Robinson said the modernization initiative forms part of the government’s broader focus on improving border security, operational efficiency, and public service delivery.

“Order, security and modernization remain central to this government’s priorities,” Robinson told members of the House.

Contract Executed for New Digital Border System

According to the minister, the government executed a contract in December 2025 with Vision-Box, recently acquired by Amadeus IT Group, following what he described as an extensive and rigorous procurement process.

Work on the project officially began earlier this month with the arrival of senior representatives from Amadeus and their subcontractors, including Vision AI and Redex, along with technical teams to begin implementation.

Initial site surveys have already been completed in Providenciales, South Caicos and North Caicos, with Grand Turk scheduled to follow.

Robinson described the milestone as the start of an eight- to eighteen-month implementation period aimed at delivering digital technology solutions to strengthen border management and modernize immigration operations.

E-Gates and Biometric Identification

A key component of the project will be the introduction of automatic border-crossing technology, including secure electronic gate systems designed to improve the efficiency of border crossings.

From mid-2027, Robinson said hundreds of thousands of international travelers are expected to pass through Turks and Caicos borders using the new systems.

The platform will incorporate biometric identification, document authentication, validation systems and real-time monitoring to enhance security while speeding up the processing of visitors.

The program will also introduce biometric registration requirements for non-citizens, with biometric capture devices to be deployed across international airports, detention centres and government offices.

In addition, mobile biometric devices will be issued to law enforcement officers, enabling faster identification of migrants in the field and strengthening immigration enforcement operations.

Customs Compliance and Revenue Recovery

Robinson also highlighted efforts by the government to strengthen customs compliance and ensure revenue owed to the government is properly collected.

He revealed that the Customs Enforcement Compliance Unit has conducted extensive engagement with importers since 2024 to regularize outstanding obligations. These efforts included meetings with operators, training sessions, compliance notices, extended deadlines and structured repayment plans.

The minister said the initiative has produced significant results, with $17.4 million recovered between January 2024 and December 2025 from historically outstanding declarations and unpaid customs entries dating back to 2020 and 2021.

He further noted that the courier sector generates approximately $8.64 million annually in revenue from import duties and customs processing fees.

However, government reviews identified an estimated $890,000 in arrears per year, representing roughly nine percent of outstanding payments, while about 91 percent of revenue due to the government is successfully collected.

Measures to Improve Compliance

To address non-compliance, the government has implemented targeted measures, including the temporary suspension of deferred payment facilities for certain accounts.

Courier operators who meet compliance thresholds and adhere to agreed payment plans may have those privileges reinstated, while those who fail to meet obligations may face continued suspension and possible enforcement measures under the Customs Ordinance.

Robinson emphasized that the measures do not prevent the continued importation or clearance of goods.

Cargo can still be released through the standard customs clearing process on a cash basis, with duties paid prior to release. Priority clearance will continue for medications, frozen goods, perishables and other essential supplies to minimize disruption to the public.

“These measures are not intended to hinder legitimate trade, but rather to protect public revenue and ensure that all operators meet their statutory obligations,” the minister said.

Minister Defends Customs Staff

Robinson also defended the performance of customs staff amid criticism, pointing to the overall success rate of revenue collection.

“When persons run to the media to make it look like my staff isn’t doing their job, because they did their job, I have a problem with that,” he said.

“A 91 percent success rate on anything is an A-star.”

The minister said the government remains committed to maintaining a fair, transparent and predictable trade environment while ensuring that the revenue of the Turks and Caicos Islands is properly protected.