Immigration Dept scraps 'home inspections' for work permits- Premier Smith
The move, disclosed by Acting Chief Immigration Officer Geraldine Ritter-Freeman at a consultation meeting on the Recovery and Development Plan of the Virgin Islands (VI), received overwhelming criticisms from residents as well as persons overseas, who were of the opinion it was a backward step, discriminatory and insensitive to the plight of persons affected by the hurricanes but who were determined to honestly get on with their livelihoods.
“We have a Surveillance Unit that always does site inspections. We have had to ramp that up, of course, because of the situation with the hurricanes and homes being destroyed. We want to ensure that persons are living in favourable conditions before we approve them to remain in the territory,” Ritter-Freeman said.
Noting that there was no checklist that establishes what is right or wrong, Ms Ritter-Freeman had said, “certainly, 20 people living in a two-bedroom apartment; that is not favourable,” adding that “I can tell you that there are less than favourable conditions right now that I have seen with my own eyes.”
She said the idea behind the household inspections was to prevent people from becoming a burden on the state “and living in conditions that are not favourable.”
Process discontinued
However, at a press conference today, February 8, 2018 at the Office of the Premier, Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I, Tortola, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) announced that household inspections have been discontinued.
Asked if the controversial process was discontinued due to the negative reactions that followed its announcement, Premier Smith, whose portfolio includes the Department of Immigration, said: “Many a times when we had discussions, obviously it was decided that it was not necessary because what we will be doing, what we want to do is to streamline the process so that people can come to work. So that has been discontinued.”
There were reports that Immigration and Labour Officers were visiting the dwelling places of expatriates applying for work permit renewal or a job change status even when they were not at home and this was put to Premier Smith; however, he said he was not aware of those reports.
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24 Responses to “Immigration Dept scraps 'home inspections' for work permits- Premier Smith”
Why they frustrating our Caribbean brothers and sisters who trying to make ends meet? The people will know what conditions they can live with. I bet you none show up to the Department in a desolate state. The people resting and bathing some place. They have pride. I glad they stopped this nonsense. We are one people, let us help each other right now. And next thing, provide seats outside for the people to sit. People show up there before 6:00 a.m. to get a number. Lord, man. Have compassion on our fellow brethren.