GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands - An estimated 1,500 Jamaicans who live illegally in the Cayman Islands are among undocumented foreigners who have been given two weeks to leave the tiny British Caribbean territory or face fines or jail time.

Many of the Jamaican workers came to the Cayman Islands to help in reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Ivan devastated the islands in 2004.

The warning came weeks after a decision by the Cayman Islands government to require entry visas from citizens of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration.

The Jamaican government, in response to the Cayman visa requirement, two weeks ago imposed visa requirements on Caymanians wishing to visit the island.

Foreigners caught overstaying their tourist visas after December 23 face a maximum fine of US$24,390 (euro20,785) and up to five years in prison, said Franz Manderson, the Cayman Islands' chief immigration officer.

"Those who forego this opportunity (to leave) will be making a serious error of judgment and can expect to face serious consequences," Manderson said late Wednesday.

The tougher stance came in response to growing concern about illegal immigration to the territory, especially by Jamaicans.

The new visa requirement was also in response to crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants, the government said.

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