The public is reminded that starting Thursday September 1, persons who have been working in the British Virgin Islands for five years will no longer be required to leave the Territory during the transitioning process when changing employers.

Amendments to the Immigration and Passport Ordinance (Cap. 130) will allow persons who are changing employers to obtain permission from the Chief Immigration Officer to remain in the Territory and seek further employment. A fee of $250 must be paid for the permit to remain in the Territory while seeking further employment, and only one application will be considered during a five year period.

 Also amended under Section 31 is change of status granting permission to spouses and dependents who have resided in the Territory for at least three years without being employed, to change their immigration status to seek employment.  A fee of $250 must be paid for the change of status permit.

To view the GIS Report on the Changes to the Immigration and Passport Regulations (CAP.130) with Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mrs. Geraldine Ritter Freeman, visit the BVI Government’s YouTube page or click here.