Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Oct 10, 2024

Labour Department not accepting or issuing certain new work permit applications till July 31

Labour Department not accepting or issuing certain new work permit applications till July 31

Immigration Minister Vincent Wheatley said the Government of the Virgin Islands has suspended ‘the acceptance and issuance’ of new, temporary and periodic work permit applications until July 31.

However, work permits for persons who are changing jobs and positions and who are already resident in the territory will be accepted.

These were just some of the changes Wheatley announced during a public address via social media on Sunday afternoon.


Joint clearance deferred

The minister said Cabinet also deferred joint clearance for persons with approved work permits.

“As the public has been made aware, the borders of the Virgin Islands have been closed until June 2020 at which time a phased opening will be initiated to only receive BVIslanders, Belongers and persons holding Certificates of Residence for the BVI,” he said.

Wheatley, however, said he is mindful that there were individuals who may have received clearance before the territory went into lockdown mode due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and he has received approval from Cabinet to extend the internal policy on issuing clearances.

“Therefore, the Immigration and Labour and Workforce Development departments can now issue a maximum of two re-issuances of work permit clearances for any person in possession of a valid clearance who was unable to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent airport closures and restrictions on travel. This would allow an intended employee to have a total of up to nine months before the work permit becomes invalid,” he said.


Other permits

For individuals who are jobless, Wheatley said they can seek other employment opportunities in the territory.

He explained that the process involves applying to the Acting Chief Immigration Officer Ian Penn for the option to receive a conditional permit under Section 31(1) (c) and 31(1A) of the Immigration & Passport (Amendment) Act, 2016.

This, he said, will enable persons who have been residing in the territory for at least five years and not having a previous conditional permit within the last three years to remain in the territory while seeking another job for up to three months.

“We are mindful that not all employees who have been terminated will qualify for such a permit. I am also cognizant that this may call for some non-BVI employees to leave the territory if no viable job opportunities are readily available to them. I, however, want to state that while we know that other jurisdictions are already asking persons on work permits and not currently working to leave during this time, the BVI does not see the need for this action at this time,” Wheatley stated.


Expats will be assisted during transition period

He pledged that the Andrew Fahie administration will assist expatriates during that transition period.

“I am also working with my team to give assistance to workers who may want to return to these beautiful Virgin Islands to reestablish your healthy contributions to our economy,” the minister further noted.

As for current work permit holders whose entry permits (commonly referred to as Immigration time) and their work permits have expired during the lockdown period, he said no penalties will be issued.

He further said there is no need for these persons to seek an extension from the Immigration Department before submitting their permits for renewal.

If persons were laid off, they should make an appointment to visit the Immigration Department for the necessary extensions to ensure that they are legally residing during this period, he added.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
UK Maintains Non-negotiable Stance on Falklands and Gibraltar
Controversy Surrounds A75 Road Closures and 96-Mile Diversion
Crunch Time in Conservative Leadership Race
Keir Starmer's Challenges in the Wake of Sue Gray's Departure
Coroner Urges UK Government to Improve Severe ME Care
Starmer Calls for De-escalation in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions
Chancellor Reeves Decides Against Pension Tax Hike
UK Advocates Urge Tobacco Windfall Tax and Permanent Levy
Starmer's Chief of Staff Plans Major Overhaul at Downing Street
Key Labour Thinktank Advocates New Powers for Mayors
Rachel Reeves Considers New Fiscal Rules for Infrastructure Spending
Great Britain Faces Lowest Winter Blackout Risk in Four Years
The Impact of Online Culture on Young Women: Survey Insights
Hypersonic Jet to Revolutionize Air Travel
Russian Medic Arrested for Alleged Satanism and Promoting LGBTQ Rights
UK: Chagos Islands Deal Was About Securing US Military Base
RT has converted key archive speeches delivered by Putin into spoken English using the help of AI
Walmart is now selling a new book titled The Achievements of Kamala Harris—and all the pages are blank.
Bill Gates: "6% of global emissions are cows... You can either fix the cows to stop them farting, or you can make beef without the cow."
Facilitated Communication: Miracle Tool or Manipulative Method?
The Allure of Browsing Online Property Portals: A Modern Obsession
Suspected Acid Attacker in London Bailed Amid Investigation
Tragic Channel Crossing: Four Migrants Killed
Labour Cabinet Ministers' Stances on Assisted Dying
The Influence of Tory Members on Party Leadership
UK Plans Major Overhaul of Employment Rights
UK Food Industry Lobbying Delays £1.7 Billion Plastic Packaging Tax
New UK Tipping Law Sparks Confusion Among Restaurant Staff
Debate Heats Up Over Assisted Dying Legislation in the UK
New Personalized Cancer Therapies Undergo Extensive Clinical Study
UAE Energy Minister: OPEC+ Doing a 'Noble' Job in Balancing Oil Market
Call for Wealth Tax Hikes to Curb Reform UK's Rise
Labour MP Supports Chancellor's Rejection of Wealth Tax
Debate Intensifies Over VAT Introduction for UK Private Schools
Israel Plans Retaliation Against Iran Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Norwegian Police Conclude 'Spy Whale' Hvaldimir's Death Due to Infection
Dominica Sells Citizenship to Boost Climate Resilience
Greta Thunberg Detained in Brussels During Protest Against Fossil Fuel Subsidies
UK Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius After Decades-Long Dispute
UK Reaffirms Commitment to Overseas Territories Amid Falkland Islands Dispute
France's Silent March Supports Gisèle Pelicot: A Shocking Case
Robert Jenrick's Leadership Prospects: Challenges from the Right
Declining Interest in Grammar Schools Amid VAT Concerns
Emirates Bans Pagers and Walkie-Talkies on All Flights
Malaysian Father Burns Son's Motorbike to Prevent Racing Accidents
Donald Trump Urges Israel to Hit Iran's Nuclear Facilities First
Private Schools Face Enrollment Decline Due to Impending VAT on Fees
Wetherspoon’s CEO Criticizes Smaller Beer Glass Proposal and Licensing Hour Reduction
Starmer Defends UK Chagos Islands Decision Amidst Tory Criticism
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work After Fashion for Relief Mismanagement
×