No new additional immigration measures to support earthquake families - Jersey Evening Post
by Elen Johnston · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
No new additional immigration measures to support earthquake families
by Elen Johnston 13 July 202610 July 2026
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THERE will be no immediate changes to the Island’s immigration procedures to support families devastated by the Venezuelan earthquakes after an Islander’s urgent plea following the loss of his brother.
Mariano Antonio Ferreira Correia, who works in a barber shop in St Helier, launched an appeal for donations to help the aid efforts in his home country, while grieving the loss of his 36-year-old brother, Javier, as well as other loved ones.
Following aftershock earthquakes in the days after the disaster, Mr Correia said he was deeply worried about the safety of family members who survived but lost their homes and had been forced to spend time living on the streets.
He asked the Jersey’s government to help his half-brother – Raymer Gabriel Plasencia – remain in the Island beyond the scope of his work permit, which runs until August as Mr Plasencia has no home in Venezuela to return to. Mr Correia was also seeking to bring other relatives to the Island for safety.
Customs officials had been liaising with the UK Home Office to explore whether potential additional immigration measures to support families like Mr Correia’s could be brought into force.
However, a Jersey Customs and Immigration Service spokesperson said: “At this stage, no new immigration routes, visa concessions or temporary arrangements have been announced by the UK Government.
“The existing immigration and visa requirements for Venezuelan nationals wishing to travel to Jersey therefore remain unchanged, and applicants must continue to meet the relevant criteria under the current immigration rules.”
The spokesperson added: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Venezuela and with Jersey residents who are concerned about the wellbeing of family members and loved ones during this difficult time.”
While declining to comment on individual cases, Customs said it is engaging with local individuals affected by these events, and are considering requests “sensitively, compassionately and on a case-by-case within the rules”.
The spokesperson added that JCIS will “continue to monitor developments closely” and “will communicate any changes should further measures be announced”.
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