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Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says that multiple foreign nationals employed at the popular Chinese-operated auto garage, Whole Hearted Company Services Limited, were found either working without permits or operating outside the terms of their approved work status.

The revelations come after weeks of mounting public suspicion, viral videos, and informal chatter over the legitimacy of these pop-up, foreign-run auto businesses across the island.

"We were able to confirm that there were issues in relation to the work permit status, or lack thereof, for some individuals who, in our estimation, were part of the work team at that facility," the minister said.

"We can also confirm, and we have confirmed, that there were some individuals who did have active, valid work permits. However, as to whether those work permits aligned to the activity that was being carried out at that facility is another issue," he added. Speaking at a post-sectoral briefing at the ministry's Kingston office yesterday, he said the garage, which is located in Ferry Pen on the St Andrew-St Catherine border, will be allowed to resume its operations once it has met all the legal requirements.

He noted that the management team at the facility was advised that the activities being carried out required the requisite approvals and that their absence constituted a breach of the law, which could carry sanctions. The minister said activities were subsequently ceased and the facility closed. He stressed, however, that the Government is aware that there is a gap in the auto repair sector and is not opposed to foreign nationals filling this gap, once they are in compliance with the country's laws.

"We have made it very clear, particularly where we see hundreds of Jamaicans flocking to the service, that we are not blind or deaf to the fact that clearly there is a gap, again, in terms of what is being provided to the country," the minister said.

"And so, we have no difficulty in entertaining the regularisation of these individuals, so that they can continue their operation, once they have complied with all legal requirements, addressed whatever sanctions, if any, that come arising from our passage of the information we received to the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force)... and once they're in full adherence with the laws and regulations of Jamaica," he added.

Speaking on Tuesday at a post-Cabinet press briefing, Charles said the investigation into the garage, conducted by the ministry's work permit unit and occupational safety and health division, revealed other issues, including troubling inconsistencies in business registration. In at least one instance linked to the location, the ministry identified what Charles called "an invalid incorporation and registration", raising broader questions about how such businesses gain traction in the first place.

"We are on a journey to improve that system and I'm cognisant that change has also caused disruption, disruption for some who, for a very long time, have benefited from a dysfunctional system," he said.

The garage first made headlines in April, when massive crowds were spotted queuing for vehicle repairs at the facility. Customers were drawn by low prices, speedy service, and word-of-mouth buzz on social media. In interviews with THE STAR, both motorists and the garage's managing director expressed surprise at the scale of the demand.