By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

THE Division of Immigration now requires additional documentation to be presented before a visitor’s entry permit can be issued for a minor child traveling to the CNMI with an adult other than his or her parents.
Immigration Director Melvin Grey, in an interview, said this is a “pro-active” approach to deter child trafficking and other problems that may be associated with minors entering the CNMI.
The new policy covers children of nonresident workers in the CNMI whose minor children — accompanied by an adult other than the parents — will be visiting them here.
Grey said Immigration now requires a copy of an official government document showing that an official government agency in the country of origin has cleared the minor child for travel with an adult.
The document should specifically identify the accompanying adult’s full name and passport number.
“The document must be presented at the time of entry into the CNMI,” said Grey in a public notice.
Grey said the child’s parents must also submit to Immigration notarized documents or letters giving the power of attorney to the accompanying adult and identifying the adult with whom the minor child will be traveling and staying with.
These notarized documents or letters should also explain the purpose of the travel, and for how long the child is expected to remain in the CNMI.