News
Work Permit Online System awaiting legislation- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Work Permit Online System, which is expected to ease long lines and waiting times at the Department of Immigration, is expected to be launched before the end of this quarter.
‘Stigma attached to Labour Department removed’- Hon Kye M. Rymer
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- For years the government department that handles all levels of labour related matters was stigmatised, having been accused of being unfriendly, unfair to persons filing disputes, ducking work permits, tardiness in communicating with applicants, just to name a few.
Locals sidelined for jobs even after understudying expats - Hon Flax-Charles
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) recently revealing that the Virgin Islands (VI) has processed thousands of work permits so far for 2019, concerns are being raised over the state of the job market for locals.
Work Permit Waiver for Skilled Workers Programme discontinued
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Cabinet has decided to discontinue the Work Permit Waiver for Skilled Workers Programme, which was instituted following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria for needed skilled workers to enter the Territory by following a special variation of the work permit process.
'Immigration & Labour cannot be a runaway train'- Hon Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Calling them vexing issues, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said the matters of controlling the workforce, blocking loopholes in the system, and ensuring better working conditions for Immigration and Labour Departments staff are among the high priorities for him to address.
Labour Department Officers receive top commendations
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Three employees from the Labour Department are the first public officers to be entered into the ‘Star Membership Club’ of the Public Service Customer Service Virtual Mailbox.
‘Labour Dept needs kudos from all around’- Hon Pickering
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While many persons have been pointing their fingers at Labour Department for their alleged slothfulness in processing work permits, which have in turn resulted in long lines at Immigration Department, mainly due to persons having to frequently go to get more time to remain in the Territory while their work permits are processed, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) believes Labour Department has been doing a great job.
Ex Commissioner Maynard slams Labour Dept; Blames them for immigration woes
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Former Labour Commissioner and Seventh District candidate with the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in the 2015 General Elections, Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard made her position known on the current immigration controversy.
Economy ‘bust’? Layoffs continue following Hurricane Irma
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- We all remember Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) claiming for years that the Virgin Islands’ economy was “robust.”
False start! Revised work permit fees to take effect July 1, 2017
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – After a false start, reportedly due to a few 'big names' challenging the initial work permit fee increase previously announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), a revised work permit fee increase will be implemented on July 1, 2017.