"There are those who are a little annoyed with some of the work permit issues, but we will work it out... we have to find a balance here for our people who are unemployed," Hon Fahie said.

Finding the balance for unemployed locals - Hon Fahie

The Premier was at the time speaking at yesterday's August 7, 2020, official announcement ceremony for the permanent Deputy Premier, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at the Stickett in Long Look, Tortola.

"And we have to ensure that those who come with work permits are working for the people that they came here, that they say they are working for," Hon Fahie further said.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has initiated renewed interest into the practices of work permit holders, urging unemployed ex-pats to return to their homeland given the pandemic has also left many locals without jobs.

The hope is that the local job market will be freed up, thus creating new opportunities for Virgin Islanders seeking new employment.

300 youths now seeking employment - Premier

"It's not an easy thing to do, but someone has to hold this bull by the horn especially in the time of COVID-19, especially when we have more than 300 of our young people graduating looking for work," he said.

Hon Fahie noted the government cannot continue to solve the problem of unemployment, by adding to that problem.

Effective August 2, 2020, the VI government moved to restrict all holders of work permits and work permit exemptions from entering the Territory as part of the COVID-19 phased re-opening.