The Netherlands Antilles has launched an amnesty program that will provide residence and working papers for thousands of illegal immigrants.

Hundreds of people lined up outside an immigration office in St. Maarten on Wednesday, the third day of the six-week amnesty program.

As many as 70,000 immigrants _ mostly Haitian, Guyanese and Jamaican _ are estimated to be living on the five Dutch islands in the Caribbean without valid residency papers or work permits.

Under a program called the "Brooks Tower Accord," papers will be given to those who can prove they have lived in the territory since Dec. 31, 2006, or can show a valid contract from an employer.