Is the Immigration Dept cruel & heartless after hurricanes Irma & Maria?
Many employees, who called our newsroom over the past months to complain, reported that while they understand that one must be in the Virgin Islands for 5 years to remain while changing jobs, the department is “heartless knowing the only reason they are in the situation they are in is because of Hurricane Irma.”
In other words, their place of employment was affected, in some cases closed down, because of the hurricanes and even though they found new employment days after they were laid off and produced the evidence to the Immigration Department they are still forced to leave the Virgin Islands (VI).
Hurricanes or not, you must leave if not here for 5 years- Ag CIO
Speaking through the Government Information Services (GIS) a few days ago, Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman said, “persons who have been working in the Territory for five years or more and are changing employers; and persons who have resided in the Territory for three years or more and are seeking to change their status to seeking employment, will no longer be required to leave the Territory during the transitioning process and can apply for a conditional permit.”
Mrs Ritter-Freeman added that such persons must satisfy the interviewing officer that their place of residence is in suitable living condition and that they are financially capable of supporting themselves during the transitional period.
However, three of the employees who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, said this does not help them as they were here for less than three years. One lady worked at Long Bay Beach Resort, which was closed because of the destruction of Hurricane Irma, and another- a male- worked at Scrub Island, which was closed because of the hurricanes and also found new employment, but was still forced to leave the Territory despite the only reason they lost their jobs was because of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Another work permit holder told our newsroom that she was in the VI for 2 years and 3 months but lost her job following Hurricane Irma. She found new employment four weeks after, but was still asked to leave the Territory. “This is wrong and heartless, but I guess that is their law and they have no regard for how and why we are in this situation,” she said with tears in her eyes.
In response, the Acting Immigration Chief told GIS: “all other persons seeking to change jobs or whose status do not meet the requirements are required to notify the Immigration Department immediately as those persons will be required to exit the Territory and return, if applicable, on an approved labour clearance.”
She further stated, “following the passage of the recent hurricanes, provision is being made for skilled workers or other workers deemed critical for the rebuilding and recovery efforts to remain during the transitional phase.”
‘I understand both sides’- Julian Willock
Former Permanent Secretary and Businessman Julian Willock said this story was of interest to him after he saw it posted on this news site and called our newsroom to comment. Mr Willock, who has been in the news recently, bringing solutions to move the VI forward and is widely regarded as a candidate for the 2019 General election, said he just made representation for a young lady in a similar situation; however, “I understand both sides. Notwithstanding, I found Mrs Ritter-Freeman to be very professional in the way she explained to me her position on the matter, but it’s a tough public policy situation trying to balance the competing interests, while upholding the immigrations laws,” he said.
The Acting Chief Immigration Officer in a press statement though GIS said on December 1, 2017 that on a “case-by-case basis she will review exceptional circumstances. This policy seeks to ensure that Virgin Islanders, Belongers, Permanent Residents and persons that usually reside in the Territory are given due consideration and preference for available jobs, especially during these trying times.”
46 Responses to “Is the Immigration Dept cruel & heartless after hurricanes Irma & Maria?”
The BVI was a better place for humanity before "The people" make the country what it is. I feel sorry for the BVI.
Hopefully, the much needed cleansing by Mother Nature will initiate a more thoughtful and selective approach to rebuilding the BVI with quality and useful imported products.
Just my 3 cents
Why don't people that come here ever want to go home? There is no work for you, but you want endless work permit renewals. Don't you miss anyone or anything in your home? Don't you have any fond memories? After work permit, then you want permanent residence and then citizenship. That not being enough for you, you then want to run for elected office. But you don't want to go home.
Idiot wjo was d first to go back way day cum frm soon as d huricane done d whites d same whites left u locals to fix an deal wit ur sh*t
The man busy running for politics so leave the senator alone please
it defies description. bvi laws for foreigners to work here, live here or whatever - well belongers and citizens
do come first. that much is fair. but how the rest is handled is like spitting on everyone else, and then not
expecting trouble. stupid bvi.