The move comes amidst a broader overhaul of immigration policies aimed at streamlining processes and providing clarity on residence and Belonger status.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott emphasised the importance of the amendments, stating, “The provisions in the Bill address the periods of being ordinarily resident in the Territory to be considered for the grants of residence and Belonger status. Moreover, it enshrines the policy directives resulting from the wide consultation, which preceded the completion and adoption of the policy. Persons are encouraged to pay keen attention to the amendments to the principal Act.”

The impetus behind this legislative push stems from Recommendation B33 of the Commission of Inquiry, which highlighted the necessity for clear and published guidance regarding applications for residence and Belonger status. The bill seeks to offer clarity regarding the length of tenure required in the territory for the grant of such statuses.

Key provisions within the bill include delineating the length of time necessary for eligibility for Residence and Belonger status, establishing guidelines and criteria for awarding status by Cabinet, and outlining the process for determining quotas and an appeals process. Additionally, the bill addresses the paths to residence status for children and those born in the BVI to Non-Belonger parents.

Moreover, the bill sets out the responsibilities of various entities to gather and analyse crucial data on population, demographic trends, labor market conditions, and housing availability. It defines categories of residence certificates and the eligibility criteria and qualifications for such certificates.

Crucially, the bill ensures transparency in quota-setting activities through stakeholder consultations. It also assesses the potential economic and social impact of residence or Belonger certificates, underscoring the government’s commitment to holistic development.

The Board of Immigration will play a pivotal role in recommending annual immigration quotas for residence or Belonger certificates to Cabinet, aligning with quota-setting objectives and the territory’s capacity.

As the Virgin Islands government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering national political, economic, and social development, the new Immigration and Passport Act and its amendments signal a proactive step towards a more coherent and inclusive immigration framework.

Citizens and residents alike are urged to familiarize themselves with these significant legislative changes.

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Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved the Belonger Status and Permanent Residence Policy in a move aimed at addressing immigration concerns.

This policy tackles aspects of immigration, including eligibility criteria, guidelines for awarding status, quotas, and pathways for children born in the BVI to non-belonger parents. Premier and Minister responsible for Immigration Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley underscored the policy’s focus on striking a balance between growth, integration, and stability. He emphasized that while recognising immigrants’ contributions, the policy also safeguards the interests and heritage of Virgin Islanders.

Under the new policy, applicants must have been ordinarily resident in the Territory for a minimum of 10 years to be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. Additionally, applicants seeking Belonger Status by tenure must have been ordinarily resident for at least 20 years while holding a Certificate of Residence Status for a minimum of ten years.

The rationale behind the 10-year requirement for Residence Status and an additional 10 years for Belonger Status is deeply rooted in the territory’s values of cultural assimilation and economic contribution. This phased approach allows individuals ample time to integrate, contribute to, and understand the Virgin Islands community, ensuring that residents and Belongers are deeply invested in the territory’s culture, history, and customs.

“The new Immigration Policy proposes planning and decision-making processes that will inform the sustainable management of statuses granted,” Premier Wheatley stated. The approval followed careful analysis, considering factors such as labor market needs, population density, and investment fostering, to ensure balanced growth.

Importantly, tenure alone is not sufficient to determine eligibility for Permanent Residence or Belonger Status. The character and skills of an applicant, among other factors, must also be considered in the decision-making process.

Residents awarded Residence Status will need to renew their certificates every five years, ensuring ongoing compliance with local laws and regulations. This renewal process allows the Board of Immigration to monitor residents’ adherence to legal standards, assess their integration and contribution to the community, and evaluate their progress towards meeting the criteria for Belonger Status.

This strategic approach aligns with the government’s commitment to enhance administrative policies and procedures, as Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott highlighted. Extensive public consultations, integral to the policy formulation, reflect the government’s dedication to governance, aligning with the Public Service Transformation Plan.

“This policy marks a significant step forward in our journey towards development and prosperity for all in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Smith Abbott remarked.

The policy is now accessible on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ website, and further discussions will be held on the “Table Talk” program. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to fostering progress through policies and programs.

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