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Cabinet gives green light for 27 to be granted Belonger status

- More than 30 approved for Certificate of Residence
Some 27 persons are set to become Belongers of the Virgin Islands, as Cabinet has given the green light for the granting of the status. Photo: Internet Source
Cabinet on February 24, 2021, reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the Board of Immigration to grant Certificates of Residence to thirty-six (36) persons, in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Immigration and Passport Act (as amended). Photo: VINO/File
Cabinet on February 24, 2021, reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the Board of Immigration to grant Certificates of Residence to thirty-six (36) persons, in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Immigration and Passport Act (as amended). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Some 27 persons are set to become Belongers of the Virgin Islands, as Cabinet has given the green light for the granting of the status.

According to the Post-Cabinet Statement released on March 4, 2021, Cabinet on February 24, 2021, reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the Board of Immigration to grant Certificates of Belonger Status to six (6) persons who, in accordance with section 16 (6) of the Immigration and Passport Act (revised) are the spouses of Belongers, and who have been living together with their spouses within the Territory for a period not less than five (5) years.

Cabinet also reviewed and accepted that Belonger status be granted to twenty-one (21) applicants, who, in the opinion of the Board, have met each of the legal requirements of Section 16 (3) of the Immigration and Passport Act (revised).

The Cabinet Meeting held at the Financial Services Commission’s Conference Room on February 24, 2021, was chaired by His Excellency, the Governor Mr John J. Rankin, CMG.

It was on December 16, 2019 that some 1500 expats living and working in the VI for more than 20 years were given certificates of Residency and Belonger by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government led by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Hon Fahie noted then that the idea behind the regularisation initiative was to resolve long outstanding and overdue matters in order to reform immigration and labour systems.

Certificates of Residence

Meanwhile, Cabinet on February 24, 2021, also reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the Board of Immigration to grant Certificates of Residence to thirty-six (36) persons, in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Immigration and Passport Act (as amended); and “for endorsements of four (4) minors in accordance with Section 18 (2) of the Immigration and Passport Ordinance…”

Cabinet directed that the Immigration Department communicates Cabinet’s decision to the respective applicants in a timely manner.

19 Responses to “Cabinet gives green light for 27 to be granted Belonger status”

  • water boy (05/03/2021, 18:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope I'm 1 of them its only been 32 years waiting.
    • @ Water boy. Make that 2 of us (05/03/2021, 21:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      All my children and all my grand children born here... seems like somebody in authority dont like me...I gave up on it..
  • soo (05/03/2021, 19:57) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why is application for exemption halted.
    • NB (05/03/2021, 23:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Greed. Many people have met the requirements to be granted exemption, in accordance with the law etc....etc. If it is granted then the hefty permit fees will not go into the kitty now, will it?
    • Norris Turnbull (06/03/2021, 07:31) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      @soo..etal. Because of ingrates like you
      • @norris (08/03/2021, 18:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Well i guess an ingrate like me will wait for belonger instead or i even buy it before and that is way better than an exemption.
  • DON Q (05/03/2021, 20:33) Like (3) Dislike (20) Reply
    This is a government that cares
  • I THINK (06/03/2021, 05:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    All those children who went to school back in the 90's should be granted belonege statuses immegion department should have their record
  • super (06/03/2021, 06:29) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    I am a belonger and I have a serious concern about persons getting their belongers status. Why do persons who been married to an belonged get their status before persons who been here for more than 20+ years. I mean yes they should of file for their rights but its not everyone who will do make that kind of decision right away. Why can't they seek out persons who been in the BVI for over 20+ years and send them a letter stating whether if they would like to apply for their belonged status since they've been here for more than 15 -20 years. Persons who been living in the BVI for more than 20 years is a living proof that they can provide for themselves. And asking for the person personal bank information is unacceptable I mean what does that have to do with applying for status. Living here for all those years are a living proof that they can manage, its not every non belonger would married to someone who is from here that has their own personal house to say to live in and save money and doesn't have to worry about paying rent.
    • @Super (06/03/2021, 14:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are speaking of wives mothers family's here not comparable to who live here over 20 years that’s diff.
  • @su p rt (06/03/2021, 09:32) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Is it inconceivable that there are folks whose choice os to remain as is no matter how long they have resided in the VI. Why would it be necessary for the VI to be seeking v them out . Are they with assets and contribution or have they been takers for 20 plus 30 years..most likely they takers and hangers on with not even a good word. Maybe their relative or progeny I s a lifer and they want to be within a stones throw. Giv should be seeking out generational VIslanders who have been overlooked and pushed aside due to the presence of too many foreign sponges.
  • Challenger (06/03/2021, 09:51) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    i think there needs to be a review of the 1500 applicants who were approved last war. there was not proper vetting.
    i know of a number of people who dont even live here for last 10 years who been granted. no appartment being rented no nothing...just a work permit each year..but they live in their home country. i even bought this to immigration attention at the time..with oroof..but still belinger was granted. its wrong in every sence and maybe should be looked at in the COI because for all we know these peopke paying someone to look the other way
    • A VOTER IN #6 (06/03/2021, 21:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      IF YOU THINK THEY ARE QUALIFIED GO AND REPORT IT TO THE AUTHORITIES. PLEASE BE CAREFUL YOU MAY GET SUED
  • stop sell out (06/03/2021, 11:35) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    stop allowing these outsiders to live here for no more than 5 years at a time to prevent this
  • santa claus (06/03/2021, 14:39) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is the only gift the UK can depend on as a gift from the VI.
    A bunch of updeislun empty handed folks.
  • Fake Bvislander, I guess (06/03/2021, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    23, was born here at peebles hospital, Mr. Pickering Was my mother's doctor, completed primary school here and I went to high school here as well and I still can't get naturalized
  • musa (06/03/2021, 21:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    If any body born and live is the bvi for23 yrs and more and did not get naturalized i will blame no 1 but your self for the first 18 yrs understand your parents have to do they part but after you become a adult get your think done.
    .
  • real numbers. (07/03/2021, 23:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are the real numbers... There was hundreds of belongers given to 3rd and 4th generation that never even lived in the BVI..
    This is crazy.. everybody is a belonger. This getting out of hand. Dont worry those belongers wont save your election.. We the real BVIslanders waiting on you...


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