Work permit renewals dependent on SSB & NHI payments- Hon Wheatley
"Mr Speaker, effective immediately, all work permit renewals being submitted to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development are to be accompanied by the company’s good standings from the Social Security Board, Inland Revenue Department and National Health Insurance."
Hon Wheatley continued by saying the submissions must also include, "the certificates of earnings from the Social Security Board and Inland Revenue Department for the applicable employee seeking a renewal of his or her work permit," he said.
New Workforce issues as a result of COVID-19
Mr Wheatley was at the time speaking at today's July 10, 2020, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting where he also made sweeping announcements regarding the future of expats who have been living and working in the Territory but may have now found themselves unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Hon Wheatley, while the VI economy has benefited greatly and they are thankful for the labour of expatriate workers who have come to build the Territory, he said as Minister responsible for labour, he now has to bear the heavy task of addressing workforce issues and the movement of persons in and out of the Territory.
"Persons residing in the BVI who have been terminated and would like to seek alternative employment will have the option to apply to the Acting Chief Immigration Officer for the option to receive a Conditional Permit under Section 31(1)(c) and 31(1A) of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2016," which would allow for stay in the Territory for three months to seek new employment, he said.
Only persons residing in the Territory for a period of five years or more, and not having a previous Conditional Permit within the last three (3) years, will be able to take advantage of that conditional permit option.
Expats living in VI for 5 plus only will qualify for a conditional permit
He said persons who have lost their jobs and have remained unemployed but do not qualify for the Conditional Permit should still make an application to the Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Ian B. Penn, for his review and discretionary decision.
"However, Mr Speaker, the reality is, some will not be able to find alternative jobs and, without financial or family support, will be required to leave the Territory."
Hon Wheatley reminded that the Government’s commitment lies under the Labour Code 2010 Section 2(b), which states “the legitimate employment interest of Virgin Islanders and Belongers shall be paramount ….”, meaning that Virgin Islanders will be at the front of the line for available jobs.
Return to homelands or another jurisdiction - Hon Wheatley
He said, therefore, expats who are unable to find alternative work and unable to obtain a Conditional Permit should begin to make the necessary arrangements to return to their homeland or an approved receiving jurisdiction of their choosing.
"These persons should also register with the Immigration Department by emailing immigrationinfo@gov.vg giving the particulars of their departure to allow for their exit to be properly recorded, thus assisting in a smooth re-entry when [the] opportunity presents itself."
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87 Responses to “Work permit renewals dependent on SSB & NHI payments- Hon Wheatley”
Employers are doing employees a grave disservice with withholding contributions and not submitting them to Social Security, eg, denial of needed medical services and reduced social security pension at retirement.
Moreover, work permits are issued to fill jobs that exceed the workforce of the VI or fill jobs that Virgin Islanders don’t want to do. In these challenging times, Virgin Islanders must have preferential to available jobs. As such, unemployed expats should return to their homelands.
The problem with people leaving is what happens when they try to reopen the borders.
also if someone has been fired from a job during lockdown or had their job terminated and they find themselves having to leave the territory then the employer is responsible for the employee by way of the immigration bond to repatriate them. has consideration been made for this and what action will government take to followup with said employers. government cant afford to be chartering flights to deport people..........i once was forced by immigration to repatriate two emplyees who had stolen from me !!!!!
respectfully submitted
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV.
I'll just rest this here.
1) expats can be held accountable for their employers actions on not paying their SSB and NHI.
2) All who saying send down island people home please remember if they are not here to pay rent how will landlords pay the bank back because of expats many landlords are able to live a more comfortable life and retire earlier.
3) All that saying send down island people home are those who live under their parents roof and don’t pay a rent. So I wonder If you guys are concerned about your parents who have worked so hard to give u that privileged so life can be easy on you.
Well time will tell when that time comes and the number don’t lie so we as a people need to stop that mentality of saying send people home some people worked hard and build their homes and can be comfortable and plant food in their back yard can any of u say that
Expats,in general, with makebelieve and uninformed attitudes, ridiculously for truth, are convinced that the VI won't survive without them. In truth, the benefit to expats have far outweighed any benefits to the VI. The VI has become lesser because of the ungodly invasion by these folks ( with exceptions). ViIanders are no better off than they were..they have always owned ther homes and land,educated and nonbeggars.
Expats would do well to know that they are not indispensable and with their attitude of ingratitude they will forever be knocking from pillar post empty handed wanderers.
Piss !!!!!!!
Really. Let's not usurp authority here.