This does not apply to renewals once those are made before the current permit expires.
As of 1st November, the Passport Office will no longer issue
Certificates of Identity to those persons born of non-nationals in The
Bahamas. Those individuals who have valid Certificates of Identity must
now obtain the passport of their nationality and apply for a residency
permit which will show that they have a right to live and work in The
Bahamas. There are no exceptions to this except in accordance with our
international treaty obligations.
A special residency permit will
be available for those individuals who have the right to apply for
Bahamian citizenship at the age of 18 and before their 19th birthday.
The processing fee is 100 dollars and the annual permit is 25 dollars.
These permits will only be issued to those persons whose parents are
lawfully in The Bahamas. This will allow the holder to live, work and
go to school in The Bahamas until such time as their citizenship status
is determined. These are obtained upon application at the Department
of Immigration. Applications can be obtained for the special permit beginning on Monday 3rd November.
All people who live and work in The Bahamas are reminded that it is
prudent to have a document on your person, at all times, which shows
that you have a right to live and work in The Bahamas.
The public
is asked to be patient as the new policies unfold. Any comments on the
policy may be addressed to the Director of Immigration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration thanks the public for their support and cooperation.