Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is urging Saint Lucians travelling abroad to respect the terms of their visas, warning that overstaying can have consequences not just for individuals but for the country as a whole.
Speaking at the February 16 pre-cabinet press briefing, Pierre reminded citizens that entry into another nation is not something to take lightly.
“Visiting somebody’s country is a privilege,” the Prime Minister said.
He cautioned travellers to adhere strictly to the time granted on their visas.
“If someone applies for a visa and they get six months, do not spend six months and a day. That can affect us in ways that we may not be able to understand.”
Pierre stressed that visa violations can harm the country’s reputation and potentially impact future travel arrangements for other Saint Lucians.
“When we overstay our visas and do things – go to other people’s countries and don’t follow the laws – it affects everybody,” Pierre said. “Do not overstay in people’s countries. No matter how attractive it is, do not overstay in people’s countries. When people give you the privilege to visit their countries, leave when the time is due.”
Pierre’s warning came on the same day that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced a similar position regarding visa compliance.
Speaking at a Joint Press Availability in Budapest alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Rubio emphasised that visas are not guaranteed.
“I’ve said this repeatedly. I don’t know why it’s so hard for some to comprehend it. No one is entitled to a visa,” Rubio said. “There is no constitutional right to a visa. A visa is permission to enter our country as a visitor.”
He added that the United States has revoked visas in numerous cases over the past year.
“Being a tourist, student or journalist, if you undertake activities against the national security and national interest of the United States, we will take away your visa,” Rubio stated.
Basic common sense…but some people never think or even care about how their actions can negatively impact someone else or even an entire country.
Let’s do the same here, because many are overstaying here as well without consequence
It’s not only visa holders who overstay in people countries. I wonder how many foreigners we have here illegally. The PM sounds like he’s singing for his supper
With the spotlight squarely now on immigration, I ask “what are we doing to strengthen our immigration and the number of illegals we have in St Lucia”?
TRUE TRUE HONORABLE PIERRE.
HELEN IS BETTER THAN ALL OTHER COUNTRIES ON THIS PLANET.
GOD SAY SO.
OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY IS A MODEL FOR OTHER ASPIRING COUNTRIES.
KNOW THIS.
mahlo.
p.s. FEEL FREE TO KEEP HER CLEAN. THE LITTERING IS OUR ONLY ISSUE AT THE MOMENT.
@ marlon Cornibert Marius – the littering and the crime in the Helen of the west are equal. In other words they are like hand and glove – therefore, you need to clean up both simultaneously ASAP.
Whatever is true is pure, thank you Marlon C Marius, God bless !!!!
Thank you Marlon C Marius