One hundred thirteen residents have been granted Belonger status in the Virgin Islands on January 29, 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) presented One hundred thirteen residents Belonger status on Thursday. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) urged each new Belonger to embrace their heritage and to proudly display the flags of the Virgin Islands in their homes and hearts. Photo: Facebook

A ceremony to mark this significant event for these families was held on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, in Paraquita Bay. 

Premier issues call to belongers

During the ceremony, the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), urged each new Belonger to embrace their heritage and to proudly display the flags of the Virgin Islands in their homes and hearts.

Belonger status in the Virgin Islands (BVI) is a legal designation that grants individuals the rights to live, work, vote, and own property without restrictions, similar to permanent residency or citizenship. It can be acquired through birth, ancestry, long-term residency, or a special grant, and requires the issuance of a Belonger card.

Belongers legislation passed in 2025 

In 2025, the Virgin Islands streamlined the Belonger status application process by launching a new online portal for electronic submissions, emphasising transparency and modernisation. 

In April 2025, the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which clarified the path to Belonger status and defined what is meant by "ordinarily resident," as well as proposed benefits for immigration officers, was passed in the House of Assembly (HoA).