Only expats of 20 plus years to be considered for regularisation- Premier Fahie
The announcement was made by Premier Fahie during a live interview with commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline on ZBVI 780AM on June 1, 2019. The interview, which also had on the panel, Minister for Natural Resources and Immigration Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R7).
Change in Requirements
Initially, the Government had said eligible persons living and working in the VI for 15 years and over would be considered for Residency or Belonger status under the ‘fast track’ programme.
“The people in the Virgin Islands have said they do not want 15 years and over. They said Fahie you and the Government go and sit down with that... we went and we sit down, we left that alone. We have now moved to their recommendation of looking at 20 years and above. We do apologise to others but at the same time too, we have to listen to the voice of the people,” Honourable Fahie stated.
Premier Fahie explained that it was the granting of residency to persons living in the VI for less than 20 years that caused a stir among the masses.
“But we have pulled back and we have listened and we want to assure the people, 15 years, we cannot do that at this time. That will be taken care of when the new process comes in after the first set of 20 years and above is looked at.”
According to Premier Fahie, those persons residing in the territory 15 to 19 years would be considered after immigration reform, for which consultations will be done over the next three months. Those persons may also have to reach revised criteria to become eligible.
507 persons awaiting regularisation
Meanwhile, Premier Fahie clarified that the passing of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019 in the House of Assembly (HoA) on Monday, June 3, 2019, does not mean the 'fast track' initiative has been given a clear go ahead.
"What it does is create the pathway for the Government to be able to do the intuitive in whatever form."
According to Premier Fahie, the Immigration Department has indicated there are 507 persons waiting for Belongers and Residency status for 20 years and above.
"So I have taken a pause with my government, to take a step back, hold many public meetings, listened to the people. We have had our public meetings on Facebook. We have had the highest ratings on Facebook. If you add them up is more than 20,000 views. We have had more than 2000 comments that have come in to us. We have done 7 public meetings. We have done many private meetings. We have pulled back and listened to the people of the Virgin Islands," Premier Fahie stated.
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41 Responses to “Only expats of 20 plus years to be considered for regularisation- Premier Fahie”
What exactly does that mean? How many more do you intend to regularize over the next 4 years?
FOWARD IN ONE DIRECTION
Want to do is suck on the BVI nipple
My man is a sweet island man and I suck on hi nipple anytime, all the time. Why do I want a BVI nipple? Sour sour! LOL
Do you all think that we BVIslanders would have sit back and accepted that 15-19 years for Belongers? No way.
Back in you all countries, you all don't have no say, the people in power do as they feel.
Thank you Mr. Premier for listening to your people.
BVIslanders, please let us stick together and continue to look out for our little country. We don't have no where else to go.
These people always calling down our small country and they're dying for Belongers Status.
land , Prayto God For good health
You said that persons should get their documents ready- bank statements, photos, police reports and notarisation of documents... are you gonna apologise to the expats for wasting their money? God doesn't sleep.
Your are here on work permit (STATUS).
If you don't like it go back to your homeland, wherever that is.
No one is keeping anyone in the BVI by gun point. You've made a decision to move here, usually for economics reason. Are you living better and more comfortable than you are in your homeland? If so, be thankful and cash you pay check. A DAY'S PAY FOR A DAY'S WORK!
We owe you nothing and you can leave at your own free will!
We find YOU ungrateful. Why are you here?
You have 100% rights in your home country
The airport is fully open. Take advantage of it.
Why not from now going forward, don't allow any more expats to enter into the country to work. Vacation, yes. This topic has shown the true colors of your BVIslanders - that they HATE expats.
You can't go through the blogs without seeing the hateful and derogatory comments made by Expats about locals. Then they claim they should be given rights to stay here.
This is our home. We shouldn't have to defend ourselves here. People need to understand that.
Any body can pretend to be an expat and blog as though he or she hates bvislanders,when in fact it could be a bvislander pretending to be an expat..
If all expats leave the bvi and only bvislanders remain and reside in bvi,are we suggesting that there will be no more hatred,no crime,no violence,no road rage..
There are born bvislanders who are not friends with each other.
Hatred etc..is part of the sinful world.Brothers hate brothers,sisters hate sisters.
WE DO NOT HAVE A DISCRIMATORY-HATRED BEHAVIOR IN THE BVI.