Applications for the Residency and or Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands (VI) through the Government’s ‘Fast Track’ initiative will close this afternoon, August 16, 2019. Photo: GIS/File

According to an announcement made by the Premier’s Special Projects Facebook page, applications must be submitted by 2:00 pm at the Central Administration Complex in conference room Number 2. Photo: Facebook

According to an announcement made by the Premier’s Special Projects Facebook page, applications must be submitted by 2:00 pm at the Central Administration Complex in conference room Number 2.

“Applications submitted beyond this date will not be accepted for fast track consideration,” the announcement noted.

Programme was tweaked

Officially called the 'Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme' aka the ‘Fast Track’ initiative, the programme led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had been postponed infinitely on the evening of May 23, 2019, for public consultation.

“In respect to the people of the Virgin Islands and for the process of listening to their views and reshaping our agenda, the submission days for the ‘Clear path to regularization: Residency and Belonger Status Programme from May 27 to 31, 2019, has been postponed,” Premier Fahie wrote on the Premier’s Special Projects Facebook page soon after a consultation meeting in Virgin Gorda.

During that time, Hon Fahie said applicants were still advised to complete the preparation of all necessary documents.

To apply each person must have the following:

• 1 Application Form;
• 2 Reference Letters;
• 2 Passport Photos;
• 1 Birth Certificate;
• 1 Original Local Police Record and other police records if deemed necessary;
• 1 Bank Statement;
• 1 Copy of Trade Licence (if applicable);
• 1 Copy of Non-Belongers Land Holding Licence and Land Transfer (if applicable);
• Certified Copies of Academic/Professional Qualifications (if applicable); and
• 1 Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

The programme was re-launched on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, following the passage of the Immigration and Passports (Amendment) Act 2019.

Amongst new policy changes, the Premier noted that 3rd Generation Virgin Islanders living overseas will now be included in the policy. He also noted that the ceiling for consideration for Belonger Status was increased from 15 years to 20 years.

No Applications Beyond 2:00pm 

Under the new policy, the Premier noted, “Relative to the grant of Certificate that a person Belongs (Belonger) [will pay] $800 per applicant, Persons qualifying for both Resident and Belonger Status -  $1,500 per applicant and Third Generation descendants [will pay]  $800 per applicant."

The Premier also noted that a $10 fee would be charged for the issuance of the relevant card bearing proof of the status received.

“Persons who, for one reason or the other, are unable to meet the deadline, will be able to pursue applications for Belonger and Resident Status through the regular channels and at the regular fees.”

The Premier was clear to affirm; however, only persons who have met the existing criteria and who have been making good contributions to society will qualify for consideration.