This is according to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development in a press release on February 11, 2021.

“The public is notified that effective February 1, persons who are out of the Territory for six months or more with expired work permits will be required to submit new applications, as their expired permits will no longer be renewable,” the press release stated.

On August 2, 2020, a decision was made to restrict all holders of work permits and work permit exemptions from entering the Territory; however, during Phase 2 of the restricted border re-opening plan, work permit or work permit exemption holders were allowed entry into the territory from September 1, 2020, once they met a list of requirements.

Travel restrictions

Many persons on work permits were shut out of the Virgin Islands due to travel restrictions, including border closure, put in place in the Virgin Islands as well as other countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On August 2, 2020, a decision was made to restrict all holders of work permits and work permit exemptions from entering the Territory.

Lifting of restrictions

During Phase 2 of the restricted border re-opening plan; however, work permit or work permit exemption holders were allowed entry into the territory from September 1, 2020, once they met a list of requirements.

For re-entry, work permit and work exemption holders were required to have a valid Trade Licence; valid employment; Certificate of Good Standing Certificates (Social Security, Inland Revenue and National Health Insurance); employees' certificate of earnings; and valid COVID-19 operational certification.

Government subsequently took a decision to temporarily suspend the requirement of a Certificate of Good Standing from Inland Revenue.

Cabinet had also granted exceptional approval for persons employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies and Boards; and teachers (public and private) to re-enter the territory once they possessed a valid permit to reside in the Territory; employment letter or contract; a visa or visa waiver for persons travelling from countries requiring visa entry into the Territory.

For more information, persons are asked to contact the Department of Labour and Workforce Development at 468-4707/4708 or by email at labour@gov.vg, or the Immigration Department at 468-4705 or by email at immigrationinfo@gov.vg.