June 29, 2023   The Department of Immigration has ramped up its operations at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in efforts to facilitate the increase in the number of travelers being processed at the airport.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is inviting tenders for locally trained and competent Catering Services to provide meal services at the temporary Immigration Detention Centre housed at Hotel Castle Maria, Road Town, Tortola.

All travelers, including Belongers and children, travelling to the British Virgin Islands are notified that approval must first be granted to travel to the Territory without a valid passport.

In alignment with our mandate, the Immigration Department prides itself with serving the people of the Virgin Islands with dignity and respect, while upholding our reputation to effectively secure the Territory’s borders by guarding against illegal migration, smuggling, and human trafficking. 

Today I assented to the Immigration and Passport (Validation) Act, 2023 and the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2023. This legislation, which was passed by the House of Assembly on Monday, validates the Residency and Belonger status of individuals following the concerns raised in the recent Audit Report and Addendum on the Fast Track Residency and Belonger Status Programme.

As people in the BVI are aware, the House of Assembly convened yesterday following the findings of the Audit Report and Addendum on the Fast Track Residency and Belongership Programme.

Democracy is a sacred trust. We all have a responsibility to protect and uphold democracy. It provides the legitimacy on which Government rests.

After consultation with the Premier and further to discussions yesterday in Cabinet, I wish to inform you that I intend to exercise my power under Section 85 of the Constitution to recall the House of Assembly.

The public is notified that the application deadline for vacancies on the Board of Immigration has been extended to April 21.

The public is notified that the Immigration Department’s headquarters (1st & 2nd floor) offices will open later than usual tomorrow Wednesday, March 22.