The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) says statements by National Workers’ Union (NWU) General Secretary Granville Valentine that the agency has customer service staff working on six-month contracts are untrue.

On Tuesday, RJR News reported that the NWU was calling on PICA to stop using customer service agents to carry out aspects of the functions of gazetted immigration officers at its Extension of Stay Unit which assesses foreigners to determine if they qualify for work permits, permanent residence and visitor’s extension.

“These statements are false and unsubstantiated and should be withdrawn,” PICA said in response.

The agency also said it rejected an assertion that temporary employees are working in clear vacancies.

“In situations where persons are newly employed, they are engaged and are placed on a probationary period of three months to assess their performance in order to determine whether or not they should be permanently appointed,” PICA said.

The agency said it was most unfortunate that the NWU would make such statements, based on what it claims to be reliable information, without first contacting the agency for confirmation.

“Again we state for the record, if Mr Valentine has an issue rather than going to the media — where the agency is not located — he should bring the matter to the attention of the agency where it can be investigated, verified and addressed,” PICA said.