A summary report of the amnesty program which is being offered as an incentive for undocumented immigrants to get immunized, shows that 341 individuals have applied as of December 27. The applications cover 316 adults and 25 children.
The breakdown by country is Samoa 117, Philippines 83, China 53, Vietnam 50 and other countries 27. For this last category there were 14 from Tonga, 5 each from New Zealand and Fiji, two from Indonesia and 1 from Nepal.
The top five villages where the overstayers are residing are Nuuuli with 75, Tafuna with 51, Pavaiai with 30, Pago Pago with 21 and Fagatogo with 13.
Initial estimates put the number of overstayers at 3,000 but a senior immigration official says they’re dying to get a more accurate figure and expects the actual number to be lower.
If there’s no extension the immigration amnesty program will end January 8.
Governor Lolo Moliga has said at more than two briefings on the measles outbreak that it may be necessary to extend the program for another 15 days. However when we checked with the Governor’s Office, there has not been any extension issued.
Under the amnesty program, the government is giving immigrants in the territory without legal authority, in other words, overstayers to make themselves legal by registrering with the Immigraiton Office. But they must show proof of MMR immunization.
Governor Lolo has said that after the 30 day amnesty the government will enforce immigration law for all overstayers.
The immigrant must:
- have a sponsor;
- a bond is not required at the time the application is submitted, but has to be paid later
- must have proof of MMR vaccination,
- a passport
- clearances from the hospital and court and
- notarized form verifying all documents are authentic.
