UPDATE: Gov't retracts notice on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions

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The bulletin regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted. Photo: Internet Source/file

Late last evening, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation informed the public via a press bulletin that Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions are no longer valid. Photo: VINO/File

The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation has advised the public that the bulletin previously issued regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted. Photo: GIS

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation has advised the public that the bulletin previously issued regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted.

The Ministry, in a bulletin today, November 12, 2025, said it has acknowledged that the information contained in the earlier notice caused public concern and confusion.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or distress this may have caused."

The bulletin also informed that further clarification on the matter will be issued in due course.

"The Ministry thanks the public for its patience and understanding."

See previous article published November 12, 2025

Gov't abruptly scraps Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions

According to the Ministry, persons in possession of indefinite work permit exemptions, under the categories of Marriage or Minister’s Discretion, need to submit a renewal application.

It also said persons who obtained an exemption under the category of Education, however, will be required to apply for a work permit.

Apply for Residence status

"In all instances, once persons have lived in the Territory for ten years or more, they are encouraged to apply for Residence status," the bulletin informed.

The Ministry also reminded that approval of a work permit exemption is a privilege and it does not represent a status.

"The Ministry appreciates your understanding and cooperation in this regard."

Meanwhile, government officials have stated that the notice issued is a "misconception," as the practice of discontinuing Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been ongoing "for years," and they are now unsure why the notice has been reissued.

The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation is the portfolio of Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

38 Responses to “UPDATE: Gov't retracts notice on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions”

Really? (12/11/2025, 08:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
Hasn’t this been approved since last year? Now the big announcement.
A work permit for a school child? (12/11/2025, 09:54) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
Wouldn't it be better to issue them something like a student visa? Makes more sense to me.
- Exempt (12/11/2025, 16:15) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
  This goes back to grown individuals who grew up within the BVI school system from they were young and then transitioned into the work force. I find it fair just as marriage; as for marriage, someone could come into the territory for just several months, get married and gain a privilege they have not even invested in.
  - @Excempt (12/11/2025, 20:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    no it takes a minimum of 3 years after being married to apply
    - Hmm@exempt (13/11/2025, 06:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nope
    - Exempt (13/11/2025, 09:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ok, thank you for clarifying that marriage part if that is the case. As I speak for myself on the education part. I have been here since 2 weeks old. Went through the education system and now contribute to the work force. I was approved due to growing up within the education system. So I deem it fair that those that have been here from young be granted such. Residency in those times back then they fooled us into thinking we had to wait 20 years to apply when that was not even the case either. Everything that is going on is just unfair and crazy. I hope they come with a better solution to this decision.
grace (12/11/2025, 09:56) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
Oh come on. There are so many unregistered illegals here without any work permits. There are so many flooding Long Look and Josiahs Bay, it is an insult, yet the police know all about.them and do nothing to round them up. I'm so sick of it!
- jack donkey (12/11/2025, 10:24) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
  what does that have to do with the people who have been here for years or married to person with status? you are conflating two different issues that have nothing to do with each other.
Good thing! (12/11/2025, 10:01) Like (4) Dislike (22) Reply
This will keep all those ungrateful employees in check.
fedup (12/11/2025, 10:10) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
Big fkn STEWPZZZZZ
WOWO (12/11/2025, 10:21) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
the way this government do things is so abrupt, and it shows the level of respect or should I say disrespectful they have for people living here.
nation (12/11/2025, 10:44) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
The goverment cannot revoke indefinite work permit exemptions without an act of parliament....or a further statutory instrument that must be gazette.
- Young concerned citizen (12/11/2025, 12:57) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
  That is what I thought too. I am not sure who is advising them. Spouses and students should not have to go through this provided they are law abiding citizens in the Community.
LOBSTER METHOD (12/11/2025, 10:50) Like (5) Dislike (18) Reply
THEM PULLED IT BACK AFTER THEM ISLAND PEOPLE STARTED MAKING NOISE
- WOW (12/11/2025, 12:07) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
  It must be hell being a news reporter here in the BVI cause this government or whoever it is making these really stupid and strange decisions can neverrrr make up their minds! One day it's this, next it's that and the other. One day it's this time, next day it's a next like c'monnnnnnn! like some damn children in suits fr frrrr mehn this country is the absolute pits!. thank good for the natural beauty of this place cause it's the only thing keeping the BVI relevant
  - too much (12/11/2025, 13:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    These reporters must be working overtime. They gonna need to take Christmas off!
- WOWO (12/11/2025, 15:03) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
  you sure is island people? they don't listen to people who look like them. it must be the palm color people who open their mouth
fact (12/11/2025, 11:56) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
THEY JUST RETRACTED THIS BULLETIN! And you wondering why the whole of the BVI isn't Marching. The incompetency is crazy and embarrassing. People have no faith in this Government.
BuzzBvi (12/11/2025, 13:02) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
These guys making us dizzy. They may end up marching to the HOA and not the Governors House by mistake.
- run (12/11/2025, 13:29) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
  We marchin to the airport and get out while we still can
Sneaky sneaky (12/11/2025, 13:27) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
They done a sneaky with this you know.

Release it at night time and bury it in amongst all these police HR posts so we don’t notice.

Didn’t work.
island man (12/11/2025, 13:45) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
Why them retracted it? Well if it still stand then the first lady might get affected too. Hmmm
hmm (12/11/2025, 13:48) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
I read in fb that when some exemption holders went to get theirs renewed at immigration they were told to go to the premier's office to get it renewed. Will they be allowed to get their renewal at immigration now since this is rescind
- hmm (13/11/2025, 06:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
  Instead of you dislikes why don't you just answer the question, the post is a question not an opinion.
BOTTOM LINE (12/11/2025, 14:22) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
THIS GOVERNMENT SOFT.......AFRAID TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS
watch out! (12/11/2025, 14:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
The VIP backing up like a lobster.
already stopped (12/11/2025, 16:24) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
They stopped them since start of October...
Marty Probasco (12/11/2025, 16:39) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
What other country issue indefinite exemption from work permits. BVI you are something else. yet so many foreigners hate you.
get it together (12/11/2025, 16:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
Please be sure before causing public relations problems!
I’m embarrassed how my government playing draft these days !
the block (12/11/2025, 17:32) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
Sent all them lsland people back home
- @the block (13/11/2025, 06:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
  Yes and then bring the Caucasians to replace them then you'll be happy right? Well the governor is granting your first wish. Peace out.
- hmm (14/11/2025, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  You sound like a fool, will you go clen the toilets?
money (12/11/2025, 17:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
They need more money to feed the unrealistic budget. Look who they target first. Xenophobia is a source of evil.
Dream (12/11/2025, 17:42) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
Good day all. I never really post on any kind of social media; but I had a dream a few nights ago and I must share after seeing this uproar about work permit and this was a part of my dream. I dreamt of a terrible disaster on the land and it all because the way how er are treating each other. We have become so focused on fighting each weather it's locals or expats, that we don't realize we are killing our blessings. STOP fighting wrong things please. Fight for affordable housing, better roads, better infrastructure, jobs creations, LOVE, PEACE AND PROPERITY. Premier you are young and this is your opportunity to lead with dignity and conscience.
bvi (12/11/2025, 21:04) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
STOP SPREADING THE RED CARPET FOR EVERYBODY ELSE
Yaad (13/11/2025, 05:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
I know persons who came here get married after living here for less than 7 months and gotten their exemption in less than 12 month.
Really (13/11/2025, 08:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Under COVID 19 the government world wide signs many documents for the digital new world order system
hmm (13/11/2025, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
When you put incompetent people in a position, that's what happens.

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UPDATE: Gov't retracts notice on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions

38 Responses to “UPDATE: Gov't retracts notice on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions”

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