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

The bulletin regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted.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and Digital Transformation informed the public via a press bulletin that Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions are no longer valid.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
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and Digital Transformation informed the public via a press bulletin that Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions are no longer valid.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advised the public that the bulletin previously issued regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted.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
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advised the public that the bulletin previously issued regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted.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advised the public that the bulletin previously issued regarding the validity of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions has been retracted.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

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and Digital Transformation informed the public via a press bulletin that Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions are no longer valid.

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).

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

  • Really? (12/11/2025, 08:52) Like (3) 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 (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wouldn't it be better to issue them something like a student visa? Makes more sense to me.
  • grace (12/11/2025, 09:56) Like (9) Dislike (0) 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 (6) 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 (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    This will keep all those ungrateful employees in check.
  • fedup (12/11/2025, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Big fkn STEWPZZZZZ
  • WOWO (12/11/2025, 10:21) Like (7) Dislike (1) 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 (5) Dislike (0) 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 (0) Dislike (1) 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 (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    THEM PULLED IT BACK AFTER THEM ISLAND PEOPLE STARTED MAKING NOISE
    • WOW (12/11/2025, 12:07) Like (3) Dislike (1) 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 (1) 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 (0) 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 (11) Dislike (0) 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 (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    These guys making us dizzy. They may end up marching to the HOA and not the Governors House by mistake.
  • Sneaky sneaky (12/11/2025, 13:27) Like (4) 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 (4) Dislike (0) 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 (1) Dislike (1) 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
  • BOTTOM LINE (12/11/2025, 14:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS GOVERNMENT SOFT.......AFRAID TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS
  • watch out! (12/11/2025, 14:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP backing up like a lobster.


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