VI Gov't to remove visa requirement for work permit holders- Premier Wheatley
He made this announcement during the 2026 State of the Territory Address on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.
Currently, expatriate workers from certain countries such as Haiti, Jamaica and the Phillipines, require visas to enter the Virgin Islands.
Wheatley stated that this visa-free initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at improving the investment climate in the Territory and promoting economic growth.
“Government is also advancing reforms to improve the investment climate, including the proposed Investment Act, establishment of a trade and investment promotion agency, to provide a one-stop shop for local and foreign investors,” he explained.
Eliminate Visa Requirements
The Premier emphasised that eliminating visa requirements for work permit holders will help businesses bring workers into the Territory more easily.
“My government is 100% committed to creating a business-friendly environment that will facilitate the expansion of our economy. In the comming weeks, we will also be removing visas for work permit holders, giving relief to businesses who cannot on board staff quickly enough to support their operations,” he stated.
This decision comes as employers have increasingly voiced concerns about labour shortages and delays in securing the workers needed to fill critical positions.
Improve digital improvements
Wheatley also stated that the government is working on digital improvements to streamline work permit processing, initiating workforce development programmes, enhancing labour outreach efforts, and building stronger partnerships with employers to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Additionally, the Premier revealed plans to expand the RATED (Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment, and Development) Programme into more sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, fisheries, marine services, and skilled trades.
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21 Responses to “VI Gov't to remove visa requirement for work permit holders- Premier Wheatley”
This is precisely the kind of forward thinking that is needed. Will there be pushback from those who are short-sighted? Of course. There always is—until they eventually catch up with what should have been obvious from the beginning.
However, we need to encourage skilled people with new ideas on d'island and get cash flowing again.
A lot of people on dis island don't understand and will let their kids and younger generation suffer. Look at da roads... Trump mocks Somalia, but if he came here I think we would actually be the laughing stock
Get someone off the island to do the roads. Anyone. The current guys are corrupt and highly negligent. A lot of comments here talking about gatekeeping with da trade licences. It's obvious they're all in each others pockets. Get those greedy corrupt fat people outta there.
Get the 'Work from Paradise' Visa across the finish line too. Dis will also drive lots of cash into the locals and also uplift the current historic and apocalyptic state of dis country.
Look around ppl.
This controles/monitor crime and puts a rise in economic stimulation.
Youre doing everything for expats.
Youve opened us now with ID.