The Labour Division of the Virgin Islands is cracking down on the illegal employment of individuals who come to the territory on vacation and end up working, as well as those who overstay just to work. Photo:Facebook

The Job Fair was hosted by former Speaker of the House of Assembly and businessman Julian Willock, and his Third District Committee, along with Ms Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.Photo: VINO

This was stated by Acting Labour Commissioner Marvin D. Hastings during the annual Third District Job Fair at Therapy Works in Hannah Bay on Sunday, September 28, 2025. 

"We have a major problem in the Virgin Islands when it comes to illegal working, a lot of illegal working. You have a lot of people who come here on vacation and end up working for a month or two. We have people that come and they overstay their time and they [are] working," Hastings said.

The Acting Labour Commissioner noted that although the Labour Protection Unit in the Virgin Islands is not large, it will conduct inspections to address this issue. "Unfortunately, we don't have a huge Labour Protection Unit, so we’re not out enough. We're going to be out doing some inspections. So, we are giving you a warning here today: so if you know of any illegal workers, make them legal."

Both employers & employees to be fined

He urged employers to comply with the regulations: "Have them leave the territory, find a work permit for them, register them in the system, and get them legally employed with yourself.’’ 

Mr Hastings also mentioned that employers will now face a $5,000 fine for hiring vacationers illegally, not only the employees. "As of last year, the Immigration Department updated their regulations. Before, they could only fine the employee; luckily, now they can give a five-thousand-dollar fine to both the employee and the employer..."

He added, This is a positive change because before, only the employees were punished, which was not fair.

"So, both employer and employee can be punished for the fine right now. Which is good, because before, only the employees got punished, and that was not fair."