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False start! Revised work permit fees to take effect July 1, 2017

Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour has announced that the revised work permit fee structure will take effect on July 1, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
There has been no revision of the work permit fee structure in the territory since 1981. Photo: VINO/File
There has been no revision of the work permit fee structure in the territory since 1981. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – After a false start, reportedly due to a few 'big names' challenging the initial work permit fee increase previously announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), a revised work permit fee increase will be implemented on July 1, 2017.

In April 2017, Dr Pickering had announced that the new work permit fee increase were to be implemented on May 15, 2017, but the date was delayed because the government wanted to review concerns raised by various business owners.

Several business owners had expressed to the minister that the implementation of the new work permit fees would create a burden for them and insisted that the minister take their views into consideration.

In a statement released on June 14, 2017 by the Deputy Premier, he announced that the revised work permit fee structure will be implemented, effective July 1, 2017.

According to Dr Pickering, the new work permit fees will assist the Labor Department in its efforts to improve its operational efficiency and customer service.

“We have carefully considered the expressed views, and have weighed them against our objective of rationalising our very dated fee structure and our current process of improving service and efficiencies within the Labor Department, prior to the determination of the new implementation date.”

Work Permit Fees

The minister explained that the new work permit fee structure is one that is “progressive” which means that persons will be charged based on their annual income and will be calculated as a percentage of the income.

He further urged the public that under the revised fee structure, no work permit will cost more than $10,000.

The work permit fee for earning of $40,000 will be $1,500 which is calculated as $25,000 at 3% and $15,000 at 5%.

For workers earning $65,000, their work permit fee will be calculated as $25,000 at 3% and 5% while $15,000 at 7%. Based on those calculations the work permit fee will sum up to $3,050.

While, the Labor Department has announced the new effective date, it was noted that they are still refining their plans for the process improvements that will allow them to give customers great value for their money.

“Already, the department has reduced the processing time for work permit renewals and is now introducing online check for work permit status. You will be hearing more details about this online service soon.”

Since 1981, there has been no revision of the work permit fee structure in the territory.

31 Responses to “False start! Revised work permit fees to take effect July 1, 2017”

  • tretretrete (14/06/2017, 19:11) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
    Really $10,000 for a work permit renewal? Now the big ones will leave and go to other jurisdictions offering similar stable currency and conditions but cheaper permits.
    • vex (14/06/2017, 23:09) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Evidently, some people matter and others don't.
    • Oh dear (15/06/2017, 03:33) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      The BVI Government seems to be determined to bankrupt the country. But is it all part of a cunning plan to kick start the BVI back into life. It may be the most effective way to deal with the ridiculous recurring expenditure of the Govt primarily due to (1) enormous over staffing, (2) too high wages, (3) silly rents and unnecessary premises. Whilst not strictly a recurring expense, the first class travel and 5 star hotels do not help.
      If the Government goes bust, a UK administratorit the belonger elite to acquire property from other belonger a at way less than true market value) to be abolished.
      Maybe the Government are not so hopeless as they appear.
    • read it again (15/06/2017, 03:46) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      The renewal fee is only $3500. the article states the fees based on income above $10,000 NOT that the fee is $10,000
  • Just saying (14/06/2017, 19:15) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sorry for poor people
  • Desperate (14/06/2017, 19:22) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    These people desperate for money. Waste tax payers monies then take it all back from island people... This Dude is the Gangster.. Listen to no one..The treasure need money Kedro will handle that...They too educated to know that he sinking all of them...
  • musa (14/06/2017, 21:36) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    good news for some
  • tola (14/06/2017, 21:42) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Well so Mr minister when you collect so much money from these islands people's ayo telling them to leave this country to go somewhere else to look for a permit that is way more cheaper
  • Ajic (14/06/2017, 22:17) Like (7) Dislike (22) Reply
    These fees are low in comparison to Bahamas, Cayman, Bermuda and other international jurisdictions
    • @ajic (15/06/2017, 06:14) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      The Salaries in those islands are much more than here...It has to be a balance ratio with income and pay outs....I don't think the Ratio here is balance its too much payouts.
    • Concerned (15/06/2017, 11:21) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      The minimum wages is not six dollars in those countries.. also the employer pays the working permit fees not the employees.. look at the facts
    • unbelonger (15/06/2017, 14:05) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      In Cayman there is no tax. The work permit fee is in place of that. Here we leaning towards an effective 22% tax rate
    • Honesty (15/06/2017, 15:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are too ignorant. Disgusting way of thinking.
  • yea (14/06/2017, 22:39) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply

    We ain't Bahamas and them there minimum wage is way more than 6 dollars a hour so this government is full of sh*t

    • Fact Checker (15/06/2017, 10:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Just did a quick google search. Seems Bahamas minimum wage is $5.25 a hour
  • 1 (14/06/2017, 22:46) Like (2) Dislike (24) Reply
    Regardless of what you may think of his politics, this man is a husband, son, beloved family member, and friend to many. Vote Pickering
  • Under the Table (15/06/2017, 06:02) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bonuses can cover a number of payment shortfalls. But what about internal promotions?
  • Next Premiere (15/06/2017, 06:21) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    They are playing rite in Myron the Island man hand to be next Premiere...Lots and lots of Island people vote in this place.. They may not be on Work permit but island people is island people, they are all connected and they voting Myron.... Myron next Premiere, in a Combo government... Most votes again.... These move would be the reason why...When Island people feel hated.
    • nonsense (15/06/2017, 08:18) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
      He cannot be premier none of his parents are born BVI. He is fighting a lame case.
    • please (15/06/2017, 09:47) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Is Tortola a continent. Tortola is an Island, so we all Island people.
    • island people (15/06/2017, 11:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most of the island people you are worrying about are not even close to the salary bracket which would attract those high work permit fees. This increase is not targeted at low income earners and is targeted with an assumption that it is the employer that pays the fee.
      • wtf? (15/06/2017, 14:26) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are correct. The employers pay this fee, and then the customers will see increased prices to make up the difference. Employees will not see raises as now govt will be getting that money. AND to do it in the middle of the season shows that govt has no budget sense. To them, budget is a 4 letter word!
  • Poor Pickering (15/06/2017, 06:29) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope you are reading this sir. Please get rid of your advisory body. For the sake of your reputation. When you look at the past proposed work permit schedule and this one not much has changed. Get ready for another outcry.
  • AB (15/06/2017, 08:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope the governor does not sign off. Not only this but mandarin in schools. They can,t find money to do what is needed for the territory but can find money to bring in Chinese. Remember government do not take out work permits for workers they bring in. Instead they give them big tax free graturties to go with. Some of those workers are able to buy properties and build houses right here in the territory.
    • Yep (16/06/2017, 19:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is so true, but dont worry cus every day for the thief, one day will be for the owner.
      God is good , and he will never leave us to suffer, we jus have to keep praying so we all can break barriers...
  • Buy land (15/06/2017, 18:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a way you hurt that they can buy land.
  • No free lunch (15/06/2017, 21:24) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    nothing is free. you have to PAY to be allowed to work for a living. Its a way of life.
  • BT Crease (19/06/2017, 20:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Watch people migrate elsewhere......soon soon....more cleaning jobs and other "low down" jobs as many call it...open for tola people to grab....


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