Businesses test prototype of govt’s new online work permit system, good reviews

Government has had a soft launch for the prototype of its new work permit online system, which is being designed to curb existing problems of long lines and hours at the Labour Department when processing permit applications.

Following that soft launch last Thursday April 4, Premier Andrew said the system was being developed using what he described as an “agile approach”.

“This means we have built a prototype for the testing phase of the electronic processing of new work permit applications and are requiring interfacing by various businesses and companies throughout the territory to help us develop the system to make it work for them.”

During testing, 32 local businesses were required to upload new work permit applications and accompanying documentation such as passport pages, as well as medical and police records to the system.

Minor flaws

Minor flaws were exhibited during the testing phase. However, this first phase has been described as a success by a number of participating businesses.

Among those with good reviews was Operations Manager of TICO Wine & Spirit Merchants, Phil Aspinall.

“Very well presented. Glitches here and there but we expect that. And the information was thorough … It’s going to be driven by the user rather than the provider and I think that’s excellent news for us” said Aspinall.

He added: “When we come out on the other side, the BVI Government will be in a better place and it will be easier for the employers to get their employees employed in a timely manner.”

Meanwhile, Director for Metro Construction Julia Marshall had similar sentiments. She welcomed the system since her company “has had to process hundreds of work permits within the last 18 months”.

The ‘Alpha phase’, more features to be added

The next phase of the project is said to be the ‘Alpha phase’. And according to Digital Transformation consultant in the Premier’s Office Dr Terrence Frater, more features and functionalities will be added to the system.

Dr Frater said “by the end of the prototype testing period, there is expected to be an adequate amount of data that will be collected to enable the system to be finalised before being launched to the wider public”.

While being part of the public service transformation initiative, the project is being managed by the Office of the Premier.