Persons who have expired entry permits, work permits and work permit exemptions are to contact the respective departments to make an appointment to facilitate the regularising of their permits.

Persons with Work Permits or Work Permit Exemptions that expired in 2020, and who are waiting to collect certificates from the Social Security Board, National Health Insurance and the Inland Revenue Department are asked to contact the Immigration Department immediately to schedule an appointment.

Chief Immigration Officer in the Immigration Department, Mr. Ian Penn said these appointments will allow persons to become regularised while they wait to collect the required certificates.

Mr. Penn said, “We understand that 2020 was a difficult year that was filled with many unforeseen obstacles, however, we have to find the best way forward. The Immigration Department jointly with the Department of Labour and Workforce Development are working together to rectify the issues that our clients have faced and continue to face due to the Pandemic. In order for us to do so effectively the clients have to do their part as well, and moving forward, delinquency will not be tolerated.”

• Persons with Work Permits or Work Permit Exemptions that expired in the months of March to May of 2020 should make an appointment with the respective departments in February.
• Persons who have Work Permits or Work Permit Exemptions that expired in the months of June to August of 2020 should make an appointment with the respective departments in March.
• Persons who have Work Permits or Work Permit Exemptions that expired in the months of September to December of 2020 should make an appointment with the respective departments in April.

Persons who have expired documents and refuse to make an appointment or make themselves available to the Immigration Department by April 30 will be penalised.

Deputy Labour Commissioner in the Department of Labour and Workforce Department, Mrs. Michelle McLean said, “COVID-19 has forced us to change the way in which we live and the way that we conduct our businesses, this waiver was one of many initiatives that the Department of Labour and Workforce Development and the Immigration Department has jointly created to assist in facilitating effective and efficient processes for our clients during this time.”

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development continues to promote good labour practices at workplaces to ensure stable and harmonious labour relations between employers and employees, while the Immigration Department continues to contribute to the security and prosperity in building a stronger and better BVI, by operating a fair but firm immigration control that regulates and facilitates the movement of people through BVI borders.

Photo: Appointment allocation dates flyer (Photo credit: GIS)