The repatriation of 34 illegal migrants has been delayed, according to immigration authorities.
Officials from the Department of Immigration told Eyewitness News last night that there were challenges obtaining diplomatic documents to complete the process.
Director of Immigration Clarence Russell said the 22 males and 12 females were apprehended off the shores of Abaco early Wednesday morning.
A video of that operation went viral, however, it was unclear where the incident took place.
Russell reported that all of the captured Haitians pleaded guilty in court on Abaco and were conditionally discharged and ordered to never return to Bahamian shores.
Additionally, he said, an issue with logistics in obtaining a diplomatic note from the Haitian Embassy, has delayed the repatriation process for the 34 illegals.
“Due to the logistics in obtaining the Diplomatic Note from the Haitian Embassy,” Russell explained, “all persons shall be repatriated at 8:30 am via Bahamasair in Friday 27 direct (from) Abaco (to) Haiti.”
