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'I'm going to review' immigration fees- Premier Wheatley

-Said he heard the cries following steep fee increases
The new immigration fees that took effect on October 1, 2025, in the Virgin Islands will be reviewed. This was announced by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The fee changes stem from the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which were enacted on June 27, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The fee changes stem from the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which were enacted on June 27, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The new immigration fees that took effect on October 1, 2025, in the Virgin Islands will be reviewed.

This was announced by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during a press conference on Friday, October 3, 2025.

Premier Wheatley responded to a question regarding the increase in belongers’ fees and explained that the new fees were part of the department's ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of its operations.

"I've heard some of the cries, as it pertains to the steepness of the increases, and it's something that I'm going to review...I’m going to review that with members of the cabinet and members of my caucus. We will review the fees. I have received some representation already, and we will take a look at it and see if we will have to revise those fees in any particular way."

Reduction in fees possible

The fee changes stem from the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which were enacted on June 27, 2025.

Among the fee increases are Application for Residence and Belonger Status: Processing Fee: $250, Grant Fee: $2,500 (previously $500), and Certificate of Residence: Grant Fee: $1,500 (previously $300). 

The Premier assured the public that they would be informed of any new changes resulting from the review, stating, "We'll be able to communicate that to the public. As to whether the fees are a means of preventing persons  from achieving belonger status, no, that was not the intention at all."

When asked whether there is a possibility of a reduction in fees, the Premier responded, "There is a possibility that it could be a reduction."

6 Responses to “'I'm going to review' immigration fees- Premier Wheatley”

  • Money Boyz up 1 (04/10/2025, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Like y'all reviewed greedy bill and the pay increase lmfao
  • Guilty (04/10/2025, 10:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let your conscience be your guide !
    You know it’s too steep.
    Yes it’s a hindrance to stop people from getting what they deserved!
    You still gonna find another way to stop the people from getting their privileges!
    Nothing wrong with increasing the fees but do it in phases!
    We still voting you out !
    We know your intentions!
    You so slow !
    Suffering from ADHD !
  • minimum wage (04/10/2025, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Introduce a meaningful minimum wage and stop trying to get blood out of stone.
  • BuzzBvi (04/10/2025, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the P487. One of the 13 that gave themselves over 100% SECRET pay rises and at the same time as minimum wage was cut from the November 30 2024 rate of $8.50 to the 1 July rate of $7.25.

    In addition to this from November 30 2024 to July 1st 2025 no increase was made to the previous rate of $6.00.

    This represents a loss of 7 months earnings that the Government cheated from low paid workers. That is $1400 they were cheated out of between November 30th 2024 and July 1 2025 even at the pathetically new low rate of $7.25.

    The November 30 2024 increase that should have been paid between November 30 2024 and July 1st 2025 means, really, that the poor were cheated, by the greedy HOA13 120% wage rise gang, of more than that. They should have had $8.50 an hour since November 30 2024.

    This means by July 1 2025 the GREEDY HOA13 had stolen $2800 from each poor person on minimum wage but added $Millions to their own pay.

    AND IT IS REALLY WORSE THAN THAT.

    The committee recommended $9.00 per hour. In 2016 the last time there was a rise in minimum wage the rate went from $4.00 to $6.00. A rise of 50%. (NOT over 120% like the GREEDY HOA13) The committed recommended this time another meager 50% rise (NOT over 120% like the GREEDY HOA13). The HOA manage to give the poor a 21% rise and delay that rise for 7 months after the date it was to be implemented of 30th November 2024. The HOA gave themselves in SECRET during the same time a rise of OVER %120!!!!!!!!!

    Every month Minimum wage remains at $7.25 the poor are cheated of another $200.

    If you are needing or relying on something from this review good luck. These people are not working for you.

  • 500 % increase. Heartless (04/10/2025, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those people doing these wicked heartless things to other people are all professed Christians. No wonder Christianity is now under attack for it fakeness because of the people fake people who professing. Anyone candidate who comes before me next election looking my vote professed to be a christian, lie because I ain't voting for no so call Christian, to add salt to wound, the church didn't do no kind of push back on this madness of an increase.. The Premier will change it. He is a good man...I am a citizen...Its just a matter of conscience and unfairness, evil if you ask me..
  • Struppes (04/10/2025, 11:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    leave the feed just as is. These people always want hand outs. Leave the fees . Why we alway have to adjust whenever expats( islanders), cry out?!!why we alway hav to bend ?!!!


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