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Appointment system coming March 1 @ Immigration Dept

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Ian B. Penn explained the ins and outs of the new appointment system at the Immigration Department. Photo: GIS
The issue of long lines at Immigration Department continues to be addressed, with various measures being put in place. Photo: VINO/File
The issue of long lines at Immigration Department continues to be addressed, with various measures being put in place. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Changes continue to be made at the Immigration Department in order to reduce the length of time persons spend doing business there. As of March 1, 2018, persons can now schedule appointments to receive services from the Immigration Department at their convenient time.

The announcement was made via a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on the afternoon of Friday, February 23, 2018. The Immigration Department came in for sharp criticism in the past weeks for the longer than usual lines, slow pace and inefficient services.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Ian B. Penn, who recently took over from Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, who was ousted by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), a story first and accurately reported by this news site, explained that, “To maintain an Immigration service that provides exceptional and civil service, we are working extremely hard to address the concerns of our customers. Through this appointment system, which will augment the online application system, we expect to address the long lines and ensure service is dealt with in an organised and efficient manner.”

The GIS release stated that appointments can be scheduled from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. daily and it should be booked “ten days prior to the requested date and submit their full name, preferred time slot, file number and the type of service they are requesting to schedule.”

It further explained that “Persons seeking to acquire residence status, become a belonger, have their entry and landing permits renewed or issued, and process all other immigration services will be asked to schedule their appointments from Monday through Thursday, while Government employees, employees of statutory bodies, students and employees of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and persons exempt from work permits will be allowed to make an appointment on Fridays only.”

Walk-in appointments

Walk-in appointments are allowed Monday to Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for persons seeking landing permit extensions.

It was on February 16, 2018 that, as promised, Premier Smith, under whose office the Immigration Department falls, announced that “as of Monday, February 19, [2018] any company can have their entry permits processed for the employees by having all the documents for the employees sent from the company directly to the Immigration Department. This would also apply for the owners or managers of companies.”

In the same announcement he also stated that an online application process is being tested and “we expect this to be up and running within the next few weeks.” It is expected that this online system will be merged with the appointment system to further manage the immigration services and reduce the long lines.

27 Responses to “Appointment system coming March 1 @ Immigration Dept”

  • cay (25/02/2018, 11:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    so they finally admit they got rid of ritter lol
  • 1 (25/02/2018, 12:09) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    good start
  • Bandage, (25/02/2018, 12:19) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    This is not a good idea. This only eliminate people from seeing and being in the long lines but it will create a biggerr problem. A longer waiting time to get process. Also depends on who you are you get priority dates. A better way I will suggest is to open the office at 700am and close it at 5pm to accomodate the crowd, Create a short term shift system. Then later on when things get under control you go back to regular shift.. Them again in Immigration and Labour the workers seem to be the boss..
    • @ Bandage (25/02/2018, 13:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly a bandage. Not even a sterilized Bandage, a dirty one that will infect the area and make it worst..
    • Lord O @ Bandage. agreed (25/02/2018, 17:59) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      If customers can get there for 5am workers can get there for 7am. Their Job is to service the public..
  • Two Chill Pill (25/02/2018, 12:22) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    She’ll be alright. Another door will open. Hope all you remember do the same to Orlando on Election Day. He too has poor management skills.
  • Street reporter.. (25/02/2018, 13:08) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ms Rita is a good lady. She was good for this department but when some customers and staff with political connection could not get their way. They use their connection to undermined her.. Labour is where the real problem is.. Don't be quick to accept promotion. When you think you going up a slippery pole is set for you to slide down fast...
    • @ Street Reporter (25/02/2018, 17:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      With the likes of m and m trying to get Spanish and Lil boys in she would and could not last
  • Edward Sissorhands (25/02/2018, 14:05) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOL no appointment was made for that barber lol
  • Oho (25/02/2018, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem shoud go in alphabetical order
  • wize up (25/02/2018, 15:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    is this lady still working under the same administration simply in a different department: my other question Penn was acting in that position before freeman!!!!
  • Yes (25/02/2018, 15:58) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who cut he hair buddy lol
  • bvi (25/02/2018, 16:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    In all departments everyone is the boss. Pure anarchy.
  • rattie (25/02/2018, 17:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The wicked politicians selling out the country is the real issue
  • rattie (25/02/2018, 17:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The wicked politicians selling out the country is the real issue
  • Mrnorth (25/02/2018, 18:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Had to take a second look .I thought I seeing Mr.from North Korea.Just for laugh
    • To Mrnorth (25/02/2018, 21:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      LOL I see the resemblance. He should have chosen a more professional haircut being in the position that he's in,but I guess he wasn't look
  • Yes (25/02/2018, 22:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    he resemble kim jun un yes
  • Boo (25/02/2018, 23:06) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Robin: Holy hairstyles Batman! I thought high top fades went out in the 80s

    Batman: Apparently not Robin
  • SB (26/02/2018, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE FLAT TOP B!
  • mildred (26/02/2018, 10:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    uneasy lies the head that wears the crown and the crown belong to one person in that immigration office
  • favored (26/02/2018, 12:22) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    this appointment thing when u make it so long go in and can't get attend to will be more problem
    just like going to a doctor u made the appointment from yesterday you are there on time yet they still saying wait and you have to get back to do your business.
    That won't be any different I think the workers just need to buck up and focus more.


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