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New work permit exemptions by Minister's discretion temporarily suspended

The Virgin Islands Department of Labour and Workforce Development under the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade have announced a temporary suspension of new work permit exemptions in the Virgin Islands (VI) effective immediately. Photo: VINO/File
The exemptions were accepted at subject minister, Hon. Lorna G. Smith's (AL) discretion, however, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade says it will continue to accept renewal applications for work permit exemptions by the Minister’s discretion according to information provided on April 11, 2024. Photo: GIS
The exemptions were accepted at subject minister, Hon. Lorna G. Smith's (AL) discretion, however, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade says it will continue to accept renewal applications for work permit exemptions by the Minister’s discretion according to information provided on April 11, 2024. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Virgin Islands Department of Labour and Workforce Development under the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade have announced a temporary suspension of new work permit exemptions by Minister's discretion, effective immediately.

The exemptions were accepted at subject minister,  Hon. Lorna G. Smith's (AL).

The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade says; however, it will continue to accept renewal applications for work permit exemptions by the Minister’s discretion, according to information provided on April 11, 2024.

“The Ministry is currently developing guidelines to establish clear criteria for eligibility under the Minister's Discretion category to ensure a fair and transparent process for all applicants,” a bulleting added.

Applicantions under Marriage & Education can still be submitted 

Applications for work permit exemptions can still be submitted under the Marriage category where persons who are married to a BVIslander or Belonger and living with their spouse in the Territory or by Education for persons who would have attended significant schooling in the Territory.

Just recently, persons looking to engage in short-term service provision in the Virgin Islands (VI) have benefited from simplified work permit requirements for specific categories of individuals for an initial period of seven days.

Exemptions were introduced for personnel contributing to government and community events such as individuals providing recreational or entertainment services at events sponsored or hosted by the Government, statutory bodies, or registered non-profit organisations are now exempt from work permit requirements.

10 Responses to “New work permit exemptions by Minister's discretion temporarily suspended”

  • B B C (12/04/2024, 11:10) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    no West Indians need apply
    • Wow. Wow. (12/04/2024, 12:01) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      This Minister Again.. Still waiting for something positive...Minister's discretion, Wow, that's scary,, Ehy not clear rules and a clear and fair criteria?
      • @Wow.wow. Agree. (13/04/2024, 05:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Power corrupts and obsolete power is dictatorship. I agree with you create a standard, create a fair process and criteria for applicant, that's the way to go..Not minister's discretion.
    • True (12/04/2024, 12:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      sooooo true
  • Hmmmm (12/04/2024, 12:18) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can I get my application fee back?
  • Bout Time (12/04/2024, 13:31) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
    We have an unemployment problem and we are exempting persons from work permit? We need to suspend work permits until we get our citizens and the people who are here on the ground to work. Lots of work permit holders are not working. Yes. They are not. Lots of workers are underemployed as well. Some will be happy for a raise and a few more duties than to see two more Fillipinos show up. Who are we building this country for? There are enough persons in this country not working to fill every spot you now have work permit applications for, except for maybe highly qualified positions like lawyers and doctors. Even those there are some that would love a change to a new firm et cetera.
  • Hospital (12/04/2024, 15:35) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Seems like hospital just hire 4 more while there are some from here trying to get in as a nurse.

    When are we going to help our own people.
  • X Empty (12/04/2024, 15:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI top level government does not need work permits anyway. They don't work.
  • Husband and Wife (12/04/2024, 17:29) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    People getting married tofay and in a month have egzemption. There isn't seem to be any control. What happen to let the marriage run a few years before the husband or wife can apply. Too many check and balance getting throw out the door.
  • Native Tongue (13/04/2024, 06:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It need to be suspended permanently.


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