Illegal aliens have today been given a 30-day window to get out of Bermuda without facing prosecution.

Immigration Minister David Burch yesterday announced the October amnesty as he warned Government maintains a zero tolerance for illegal immigrants and those that harbour them.

Ordinarily, people caught by the authorities end up in court and are deported and placed on the Bermuda Stop List.

At the end of the month, a reward will be on offer for people who tip off Government about offenders, although the Minister was unable to say how much it would be. Sen. Burch said 200 illegal immigrants many of whom are Jamaicans are currently on the Island, often as a result of overstaying their visiting permits.

Two people are thought to have left the Island voluntarily after being identified in the "Wanted" posters which went up as part of Government recent crackdown, while Sen. Burch said there had been a steady increase in the number of reports to Immigration.

He told a press conference:"I further remind both Bermudians and illegal immigrants that there is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour and persons found engaging in such will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

"I cannot stress too strongly that these are serious offences that we shall not ignore.

"Earlier I indicated that we will use whatever means to enforce the law and as such, as an interim measure, I am using my discretion to establish an amnesty for 30 days beginning October 1 to allow persons to leave without being prosecuted.

"Additionally, following this 30-day period, consideration will be given to offering a reward to persons who provide tips on overstayers."

Sen. Burch said he had met Jamaican represents to discuss his concerns.

"Let me state at the outset that most Jamaicans both here and in Jamaica are law abiding, contributing individuals," said the Minister. "In Bermuda recently a small number have been flouting our laws and we cannot sit idly by and allow such behaviour to continue.

"I stressed to the Jamaican representatives that any such action would not be targeted towards law abiding citizens but those who flagrantly flout the law. I anticipate their support in this endeavour.

"Let me reiterate that Jamaican nationals are not the only offenders, albeit the most prolific these new procedures apply to all foreign nationals here illegally."

Anyone with information should call the Immigration hotline on 296-5202.