The Government of the Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade announces the transfer of Executive Work Permit (EWP) processing to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. With immediate effect, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development will be exclusively responsible for processing Executive Work Permit applications.

All applications should be submitted to the Processing Unit located on the First Floor of the Ashley Ritter Building in Road Town. Upon submission of the required documentation, as outlined in the checklists for New and Renewal Work Permit Applications, the Department will process the applications within 14 working days. Appointments can be made online at www.bvips.org or by contacting the Public Service Customer Service Care Centre via telephone at 468-3701.

The Executive Work Permit programme, introduced in 2018, was specifically designed for individuals earning at least $100,000 annually. However, due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the eligibility requirements were temporarily broadened to encompass all employees in the Financial Services Sector, irrespective of their salary. With the subsiding of pandemic effects, the Department will return to the initial eligibility criteria. Please note that the processing fees remain at $150 and the application fees remain at $50.

Applicants who do not meet the $100,000 salary threshold but require expedited processing within the 14-day timeframe due to urgent and unforeseen circumstances, can avail themselves of the Expedited Work Permit Process (EWPP) at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Each case will be individually assessed, and the processing and application fees for this expedited service remain at $150 and $50, respectively.

For inquiries regarding the transition process of Executive Work Permits, contact the Department via email at ewp@gov.vg or contact Mrs. Kim Russell-Romney, Ms. Althea Guishard, or Mrs. Michelle McLean at 468-4784; 468-4708; or 468-4707.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is dedicated to promoting an efficient labour market as part of its mandate to foster a thriving, equitable, and well-regulated labour environment.