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Expelled foreigners will be able to regain VI employment - Hon Wheatley

- once local employer wishes to re-hire after COVID-19 pandemic subsides
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) says expats who return to their homeland due to unemployment that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Virgin Islands (VI), will get an opportunity to be rehired once the pandemic period subsides and their old job is available. Photo: VINO/File
On Friday, Hon Wheatley announced sweeping changes for work permit renewals noting that expats only with good NHI and SSB payments will be allowed renewals. Photo: VINO/File
On Friday, Hon Wheatley announced sweeping changes for work permit renewals noting that expats only with good NHI and SSB payments will be allowed renewals. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - Expats who return to their homeland due to unemployment that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Virgin Islands (VI), will get an opportunity to be rehired once the pandemic period subsides and their old job is available.

This is according to Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) speaking at the Friday, July 10, 2020, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting.

On Friday, Hon Wheatley announced sweeping changes for work permit renewals, noting that only expats with good NHI and SSB payments will be allowed renewals.

Further, only those living in the territory for 5 years or more, and not having a previous Conditional Permit within the last three (3) years, will be able to take advantage of a conditional permit option to remain in the VI for up to three months to job hunt before they have to leave the Territory.

Gov't still committed to expat workers - Hon Wheatley 

However, according to Hon Wheatley, while the measures are meant to protect jobs for Virgin Islanders, "Be that as it may, as Minister for Labour, I intend to work diligently in keeping this Government’s commitment to our brothers and sisters of the wider Caribbean, mainland US, Europe, and other parts of the world."

He assured that those expelled as a result of job loss from the pandemic will be given the opportunity to return to the VI and regain employment.

Speaking on the economy, Hon Wheatley said, "After this time of transition and change has subsided, and we move into our transformation, we will give the necessary assistance to employers wishing to re-hire their loyal employees."

"We intend to do so by giving preference in the work permit process for these employees so that they may return to these beautiful Virgin Islands to re-establish their legitimate employment that was affected by the pandemic, as smoothly as possible."

52 Responses to “Expelled foreigners will be able to regain VI employment - Hon Wheatley”

  • Leville (14/07/2020, 11:57) Like (14) Dislike (15) Reply
    I don’t know why they hanging along here the economy will lose nothing when them island people leave because they have no jobs meaning they can’t pay no bills or taxes so at this moment their not contributing nothing to the BVI
    • @ leville (15/07/2020, 16:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I don't know whether you are black or white or even a Virgin Islander. However your clear hatred and ignorance is already backfiring. Quit the pettiness. Virgin Islands patriotism is dead and gone. It is nothing but an anomaly believe me. A harbour of stupidity and ignorance. Caribbean people are one and the same culturally and historically. And you will be surprised to know Virgin Islanders are no better than anyone else in the Caribbean.
  • LABOUR (14/07/2020, 11:58) Like (32) Dislike (12) Reply
    Don’t make them return loosen up the population them got the place to crowed loitering everywhere. Can’t get In fine food east end them got up there tacky and ghetto
  • preach (14/07/2020, 12:00) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply

    I think the ***** should stay they have the most money look the type of jobs they work at trust companies etc even if they lost it their jobs their bank accounts are high compared to them d***** i***** who working bartending and cleaning them need to go.

    • @ preach (14/07/2020, 13:41) Like (7) Dislike (14) Reply
      Let them stay cause we locals not cleaning no bathroom or toilets we above that let them deal with that.
      • wow (14/07/2020, 16:16) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
        set of undercover MS. I sure ain't no local comment on these news article. why don't you all comment on fb so people see who these snakes really are!!! You all Island people comment as both expats and local for some sort of drama!
      • man about town (15/07/2020, 09:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Preach I can imagine how stink and untidy your house is since you are not cleaning no toilets or bathroom SMH
    • Agree (14/07/2020, 14:10) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      Let them island people clean the bathroom no locals will take that
  • H (14/07/2020, 12:01) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    U all need to let d people know exactly what going on instead of beating around the Bush
  • Citizen (14/07/2020, 12:02) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Even if they lost them jobs I think some can still afford to live here and continue paying their bills and taxes so exempt them that can still survive here
  • cgb (14/07/2020, 12:02) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply

    Send them i***** p***** home please with no return one way ticket please

  • st thomas (14/07/2020, 12:04) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why can’t the USVI do the same we have to much of them here in st Thomas without jobs Haitians, Vincentians etc we need them island behind out. Governor Bryan take a page please out of the BVI’S book
  • island man (14/07/2020, 12:05) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
    Virgin Islands people are racist against other Caribbean people their own colors but not against the whites
    • @Island Man. True (14/07/2020, 13:15) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      This Island profiling..... Racial profiling... Agaist them own Sisters and brothers..All black people come from the same Tree... .While the real enemies live freely and happily..
      • @@ island man (14/07/2020, 13:36) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
        They living freely because they not disrespectful and ghetto looking like them island people
      • The problem (14/07/2020, 14:08) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        and there in lies the problem , the BVI people don't mind white people it is the rest down island up Jamdown that don't like whites and breeds the racist undertones, nothing to do with BVI so perhaps even if the BVI shrinks it will get back to being a happier easy going place without all the crime and hatred
    • island man (14/07/2020, 14:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      I agree with you I only hope when them ash**e know most of the companies in the vi is people from other islands I will tell ayo we love the vi but not all you ungrateful m**her *****s we were welcome here and we are welcome to leave some of you welcomed us we appreciate it but to those with hate we prey for all you

  • Local (14/07/2020, 12:07) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Y’all know what island people mean stop acting and yes the vi is not a continent but we’re above all the other Caribbean islands that’s why they run to us
  • HMMM (14/07/2020, 12:12) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Them can’t vote stop trying make them feel better no returns plz for those from other down island countries
  • T (14/07/2020, 12:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr minister let's be real this thing sounds like a fairey tail no ah mean the people will have to understand u can't make blood out of stone
    • tretretrete (14/07/2020, 13:19) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      When them leave the apartments and start taking their thousands out of the banks.... Then u will realize your mistake...Stop rushing to impress.. take time research and assest...
      • black (14/07/2020, 13:53) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
        @Hmm
        Leave them alone, cutting off their nose to spite them face. We will understand what time it is here very soon. keep playing politics. This is what the BVI BLM clowns should be protesting the treatment of each other both locals n down islanders. But them up and down parroting the USA BS. We will for ever be slaves because of the hate for one another. This is what the US did to migrant workers and now the farm industry is suffering. Our tourism will suffer the same fate if they keep up this BS. Just watch n see .
      • @ hmmm (14/07/2020, 15:00) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        Good for them we will be the judge if that when ayo leave
  • Sounds simple (14/07/2020, 12:27) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just save the little money you have; go home and when things begin to look green agin “return”

    When your job is ready for you “returned”

    Why remain with zero dollars and zero cent depending on Government/ people when you can be comfortable in your own hometown.
    • Re focus (14/07/2020, 13:08) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Stop letting the few haters dictate your policies....U all forget you all were once a baby once poor and once in need.. U all in power now, u forgetting ur all past.. U all head get big... like sharks see poor and oppressed vanurable people as blood..
      • black (14/07/2020, 13:57) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
        Leave them alone god don't sleep! Why not send those up in the jail back where them come from and help the honest workers by opening up the country in a sensible way!
  • Rubber Duck (14/07/2020, 13:17) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    Many of the “ down island “ people I know have been in BVI for nearly 20 years, sometimes more but with a break so they could not get status. They have next to no connection with their “ homes “ , their life is in BVI. Shipping them off the island is cruel and heartless. They usually have jobs but in the current circumstances their places of work are closed. These people have paid SS for years. They should be supported from the SS fund until such time as their jobs become available again. Anything else is injustice.
    • @ rubber duck (14/07/2020, 13:40) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      I think the ones from down the island that here for below 5 years should leave ASAP
    • @rubber duck (14/07/2020, 13:42) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      I agree with you, but unfortunately your comment means nothing to them.
    • black (14/07/2020, 14:00) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      100% agree with you rubber duck. We have become a heartless country and our fore parents not happy with the way we treat each other.
    • problem (14/07/2020, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If they have no connection with their homes then why do they have a break in the 20yr period, you say 1 thing but then add another thing which contradicts your first....He is not even saying that he is saying anyone with less than 5 years in a job cannot stay unless they have a job, its a work permit not a right to reside
  • u (14/07/2020, 13:26) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ Labour u your self sound like ghetto do you know of any country that has no loitering u iodit u think Tortola is heaven on earth u better think differently
    • @ U (14/07/2020, 13:39) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      The bvi is heaven on earth that’s why ayo island people does run here to live
  • down2earth (14/07/2020, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I thought it was a privilege and not a right!
  • l (14/07/2020, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    @ st Thomas u are not from there and by the way what vincy doing in st Thomas u all feel Vince boddy that's a good sign
    • VI lander (14/07/2020, 14:58) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hey I live st Thomas born there and it full of Vincentians and Haitians
  • No Sir Wheatley (14/07/2020, 13:39) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    You and I both know that's not a true statement. There is no way you all are running people out of the country and going to welcome them back. Absolute ludicrous. You very well know what is going to happen after this step.....sad
  • Unbelievable (14/07/2020, 13:47) Like (17) Dislike (11) Reply
    The comments on these posts are just crass and sad. We organised a march entitled Black Lives Matter, in solidarity with the fight in the US, but it is very apparent that the same type of hatred and prejudice against fellow Caribbean nationals is just rampant and on display within our own BVI community. I am a BVIslander and I am quite embarrassed by the hatred displayed in these posts. Not good at all.
    • right (14/07/2020, 14:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      probably educated in the USA
    • Go (14/07/2020, 15:03) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      Leave if you don’t like it we don’t need ayo island people here we opening our doors for the Americans to come in a live not y’all
    • Welsah (14/07/2020, 16:10) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Its goes both ways. Alot of foreigners have nothing good to say about the BVI or it's people and yet they will fight to stay. Just saying.
  • The Reaper (14/07/2020, 14:06) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    My Two cent. I heard people from other country call down BvI so bad. Sad. What here have nothing !!,to offer, BvI is not beautiful,all kind of sad bad comments ...Well look now. Hmmmm .I guess their Country better than BVI....Smh...BvI born till I Die....
  • Challwell (14/07/2020, 14:57) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Send them home no sympathy
  • Jost van Dyke (14/07/2020, 15:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I only hope that it will facilitate the cash I have in simple Social Security and the first plane to leave the island will be to put my buttock out
  • Who have the most to lose (14/07/2020, 16:03) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    The rate of how the BVI is going they have more to lose than the expats. those who rent property and have mortgages with the banks will be holding their heads. Many of them do not safe a cent because they always trying to keep up with the JONES so they need to buy all name brand material stuff but the same expats try to safe for a rainy day.
  • u (14/07/2020, 17:46) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    That's what killings them island people as they will say live there life like an ant store up for Rainey days while thay try to beat the traffic now d Corona slow then down that mad please leave us alone
  • Jim Jones (14/07/2020, 17:46) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    One question I wanna ask u born here idiots who will get all that social security money them same down island people contributed after they leave without it due to you guys running them ?
    This is just robbery in my eyes at least give them there SS money to leave it...
    Bunch of Born here thieves running the island people so they can get all there money from SS after they leave...
  • T (14/07/2020, 18:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I will never happen not so easy the people them have to get what belong to them it's God who is in control not man when that man who said October was setting in air conditioning people out there in sun and rain contribute to this country leave with out nothing u mad
  • Hmmm (14/07/2020, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Man planning while God wiping out. My own people never learn. Time is longer than rope. Be careful what we're asking for.
  • Tola People (14/07/2020, 20:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are BVIslanders so hateful?
  • hey ho (14/07/2020, 20:11) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    so what happens to those who have been luving here for 12 years or so...lost their job because of boss not submitting ssb and nhi payments..was reported and fired the emplyee.....they just have to pack up and leave their car their furnature their friends their secueity deposit.? coz thats exactly whats happening to a friend of mine......if anyone from outside reading this and thinking of investing here......dont...its just not worth it....you will not be liked...you will not be welcome....you will not be able to build a life here..... worthless is what outsiders are......you will ve milked for all you have and then kicked off the island at the first opportunity.

    Look to somewhere else to build your life..BVI hate outsiders......
  • hello (14/07/2020, 21:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every dog have it days and every Puss there four o'clock what goes up must come down


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