BVI News

BVI might limit the number of each nationality allowed in the territory

Each nationality might only be allowed a limited number of persons to be present in the British Virgin Islands at any given time.

This is likely one of the considerations to be made as the territory undergoes an Immigration reform process.

Labour & Immigration Minister, Vincent Wheatly said these decisions have to be considered since persons are flocking the BVI, which is considered as an attractive jurisdiction to work, live, visit, and invest.

“This means that persons, for the next foreseeable future, will be coming to the BVI. We have to decide now how we’re going to be affected by that immigration of persons coming into the territory,” he explained while interviewing with JTV news recently.

“Are you going to tell everyone, ‘come and after 20 years we make you a BVIslander’? What are we going to do? Now is the time to be making those kinds of decisions,” he added, stating that these decisions should have been made a long time ago.

Mindful of ‘access to citizenship’

Wheatley said the government will be reforming the territory’s exemption policy, its Belonger and residency, among other things.

Nothing has been finalised as yet but Wheatley said the government must “be very mindful” of access to citizenship as it undergoes the reform. He also mentioned a new Immigration system, that will enable the BVI to “monitor the number of nationalities in the country”.

The minister said more than 120 different nationalities are currently in the BVI. He, therefore, suggested that Immigration limitations must be put in place to avoid oversaturation.

“Some countries like America; they do quotas every year for visas and green cards. At some point in time, we have to choose a system similar to that. I’m not saying, ‘use that system’. But we might decide, for any given year, we would only give 100 persons status, or 50 persons, or 200 persons. Those kinds of decisions. Or we may say, ‘we don’t want no more than a thousand persons from each nationality in the territory’. Those kinds of decisions — critical decisions because there is an imbalance right now,” Wheatley explained, adding that limits might also be place on professions.

“We need to control this–how many nationalities and how many of each nationality. And then we break it down to professions–[that is], how many of these professions do we allow into the country each year,” he added.

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99 Comments

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  1. JVD Strong says:

    IM A BVI LANDER BY BIRTH AND I CAN PROUDLY SAY I HATE IT HERE!!

    Like 151
    Dislike 17
    • lolly says:

      Why don’t you migrate elsewhere.

      Like 7
      Dislike 7
      • Well says:

        It’s been a long time now the government needed to look into this. There are people here from. Different Caribbean countries can’t get a job but Philippines here like sand doing all the odd jobs and everything else…so what happen to those kids coming out of high schools, college etc.they must stay home ..I know a local young man want to get a job as a police officer and they turn him down ..the boy pass everything they throw at him ,but when he proudly said he was from here they turned him down. Now he works security at the hospital and doing a darn good job.so Mr Minister do what you have to .protect your people..

        Like 2
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    • Rope says:

      Well hang yourself in JVD bushes where no one will find you

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      • Hey says:

        That’s a really ffff-ed up thing to say.
        Sure the post was stupid but don’t be talking like that with anyone. Who knows how you might influence someone’s actions – someone with real mental health issues.
        Encouraging suicide is way more messed up than that stupid post.

  2. Seriously says:

    Racial profiling is illegal in most countries worldwide

    Like 104
    Dislike 11
  3. Logic says:

    Every country does this. Nothing new here. You will get all kinds of negative responses but what has to be done has to be done. For a small country BVI is behind on this.

    Like 47
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  4. rastarite says:

    Discrimination raising its ugly head again.. People need to be allowed in according to their qualifications and abilities…

    Like 66
    Dislike 15
    • BVI to the Bone says:

      As a BVIslander I wholeheartedly agree with what the Government is proposing to do. I love everyone regardless of nationality but the BVI cannot and shouldn’t allow itself to be overran by other nationalities. Good Trump or bad Trump but America first was not a bad policy. Can you go to Barbados, Trinidad, Saint Vincent or any other country in the region or the world and find the native are out numbered by expatriates? No you cannot and though the Government will be criticized for what is being proposed here so long as it is in the best interest of the BVI I am all for it.

      Like 11
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      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe we wouldn’t be outnumbered if our very own people didnt migrate to find a better life for themselves? Maybe if we returned after furthering our education we wouldn’t be outnumbered? Maybe we wouldn’t be outnumbered if our youth would get off their a**es and the block and do some hard work? Maybe if we stopped training for the “AC” jobs and started learning skills we wouldn’t be outnumbered……….just saying??‍♀️

    • @rastarite says:

      You are so right! It is time to stop giving work permits for level entry positions (waitress, housekeeper, cleaner etc). No wonder the youth have no jobs…they have no work experience, and all the jobs that all other school leavers around the world have as part-time/ first jobs are taken by work permit holders. This needs to stop….specialized roles for WP only!!!

      Like 4
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  5. now is the time says:

    That’s the NEW-WAY TO GO. I, second the motion, ” work on it right away .

    Like 25
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  6. Great says:

    Yes about time limit the amount of island people coming in here especially them Jamaicans and Vincy people

    Like 28
    Dislike 70
    • me says:

      OK madam that’s cool and what if the USA does the same thing to all of you
      real problem child

      Like 33
      Dislike 7
      • @me says:

        Caribbean and others are screened,limited and excluded via methods and reasons that are not obvious in the International arena.
        Without a doubt VIslanders are favoured.
        We know which Islands are least favoured and the reasons. Adoption of this element would be fatal to the VI.
        If the VI is to continue as an attractive location for business and tourism and residents and students elsewhere, our Immigration and Naturalization would need to be revamped.
        Currently the VI is the losing partner in the Caribbean people shuffle.
        We lose more than we gain.

      • Smh says:

        USA is waayyy bigger than here, you can’t compare USA to little BVI. That’s what you guys not realizing, other places like St Vincent, Jamaica etc. is bigger than Tortola. I’m from St Vincent and realize that.

        Like 19
        Dislike 3
    • Wypipo says:

      No, limit the number of wypipo who come here. They are the problem. Learn your history.

      Like 4
      Dislike 21
      • LouR says:

        you sound like an inbred islander who has a chain on and is riding his scooter and does not want to work for a living. “wypipo”? come on man

        Like 15
        Dislike 2
    • Still water run deep says:

      Asians could come, no problem
      Europeans could come no problem
      But too much black folks that look like you here and it’s a problem?

      Like 26
      Dislike 7
    • Bless child says:

      I wonder wa the Jamaican and Vincy do y’all??stop the hating on us..we come here and keep up y’all place let it be what it is today so stop the hating,y’all feel onuh reach where onuh going??the hate is real tho!!!The hurricane 2017 didn’t teach y’all nothing??this pandemic don’t either!!God soon deal with y’all !! Jamaican and vincy must doing what y’all not doing ????????

  7. Vodka says:

    Here comes Vincent again with his Caribbean hating issues. Doesn’t he have any work to do from coming up with these stupid thoughts. Vincent has become so arrogant and disrespectful to people. The power of his office has gone to his head. Now he drives around in a black sports car with the government license plate on it purchased at taxpayers expense.

    Like 58
    Dislike 10
  8. Unconventional leadership says:

    Good going minister. The only issue with that is not you would not be in position long enough the implement that. Soon we will implement the number of bvi people having their children birth in st Thomas. You go ahead, we watching you.

    Like 54
    Dislike 8
    • Joker says:

      You have no say in where “bvi people” have their children. St Thomas is not the only option. Don’t be fooled.

      Like 5
      Dislike 1
    • About that says:

      Think how many didn’t get their US status because lock down and travel restrictions prevent them from traveling to STT to give birth. Another way BVI screw the people with the way they handle Covid.

      Like 5
      Dislike 4
  9. Rubber Duck says:

    Persons are flocking to BVI? Really ? . You can’t sell a house. You can’t give them away.

    How about some figures to support these wild statements.

    Like 65
    Dislike 3
  10. son of the soil says:

    Well its about time because we have too many associations here

    Like 10
    Dislike 28
  11. Smh says:

    At this point Wheatley is out of control. Thats it fo you mehson.

    Like 27
    Dislike 8
  12. good luck with your work force says:

    Did this really get said by someone that was elected?

    “We need to control this–how many nationalities and how many of each nationality. And then we break it down to professions–[that is], how many of these professions do we allow into the country each year,” he added.

    So immigration department will control the workforce? Bet this kind of policy will be great for businesses here. Im sure this will make companies really want to invest and create jobs here!

    Like 25
    Dislike 7
  13. Fed up!! says:

    Well Ayo need to stop going to the USA to get American children too!! Prejudice Set ah people!! The mentality!!
    God don’t like ugly!! You better start treating people good and do a one 180… I saw a vision for the BVI and it don’t look good … I done talk!!

    PS. I’m a BVI lander.

    Like 45
    Dislike 8
    • Anonymous says:

      So you are a BVIslander but said ayo need to stop going to USA and prejudice set ah people? Who talks like that if you were really a BVIslander you would have said we or us but you talking like you are separate from BVIslanders or the people that you are speaking about. Survey says you are a liar.

      Like 10
      Dislike 18
    • Oops says:

      That is none of your business. people have their children where they want to and where they could. your partner is certainly not a bvi belonger and you are running scared.

      Like 4
      Dislike 1
  14. Wayne DEAD says:

    Well go suck yuh madda!

    Like 2
    Dislike 7
  15. system says:

    its about time ,i love my philipino bros and sisters but at some point they will be more than our caribbean bros and sisters

    Like 8
    Dislike 17
    • Smh says:

      You’re a racist.

      Like 8
      Dislike 4
    • Qual ,E T says:

      True? I didn’t even suspect that. Out of the inmates that have overpopulated the Prison how many of them are Philipinos? How many like larvae on corners smoking and drugging? How many are on loud rewired motor bikes in a free fall placing your life in danger and keeping you awake at nights? how many are blasting fowl words and concepts from their homes and cars calling it music? How many cause your property value to decrease by just being…They or their spawns, how many? Answer; zero
      Quality matters in building. No matter what medium amd purpose,quality matters. Most of all,quality of life while on Earth is paramount.

      Like 13
      Dislike 3
  16. Hello says:

    You are doing this but then you are putting a lot taxes and fees for expats?! God is watching! Bring back NDP!

    Like 21
    Dislike 3
  17. AND THE EVILNESS IS REVEALED says:

    AND YET YOU ALL LOOKING TO LINK UP WITH OTHER OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CT HIDE ALL ALL THE CORRUPTION THAT THAT IS PERPETRATED BY YOURSELVES ~ IT CANNOT WORK , HYPOCRITES

    Like 10
    Dislike 3
  18. lillian says:

    well sah then other countries should put in place rules for these locals too even uk. to removed passport to them when they do crimes and drugs business then

  19. expatriate says:

    I am an expatriate and I hate to see that we have almost taken over the bvi .the people of the bvi have shown nothing but love for us over the yrs. Everything their government do to protect them we criticize. they have accepted us with open arms for over 60 yrs now and all we have in our hearts is hatred for them.I kept on saying for years that the governments over the years has not done enough to protect these indigenous people. soon you would hardly find an indigenous Virgin islander.what a shame. we keep coming to their island by the plane load seeking a better way of life but as soon as we put our bags down we began to talk all manner of evil about these good people. listen they can do without us and that’s a fact. this is not America with vast amount of lands. this is a tiny piece of rock that can easily be taken over by us .so I agree with the government to please do what ever is necessary to protect your people.

    Like 20
    Dislike 40
    • Anonymous says:

      Did they pick you yet?

      Like 7
      Dislike 1
    • Ohhh says:

      You came in and get the honey, so you don’t want anyone else to come in. Go sit down.

      Like 16
      Dislike 7
      • @nohhh says:

        so there is honey in the bvi??.I knew it all along that’s why we are always criticizing what ever the government of the day is trying to do to protect their people .God bless the bvi .I live a good life here with a wonderful family and am not going to join With anyone and criticize this beautiful island. I want all expatriates to live in peace and harmony with Virgin islanders. not one Virgin islander had done me any wrong for the past 35 yrs that I have been here.there are so many Virgin islanders that I can call or go to and say I am in need of so and so and 99.9 % of of these people would help because they know I would only ask because I really need it.all you people commenting asked yourself what has my country of birth done for me and what am I doing for my country. any one with common sense would know that if you have a gallon jug and keep pouring into it what will happen.It will over flow .

        Like 8
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    • Qual ,E T says:

      True? I didn’t even suspect that. Out of the inmates that have overpopulated the Prison how many of them are Philipinos? How many like larvae on corners smoking and drugging? How many are on loud rewired motor bikes in a free fall placing your life in danger and keeping you awake at nights? how many are blasting fowl words and concepts from their homes and cars calling it music? How many cause your property value to decrease by just being…They or their spawns, how many? Answer; zero
      Quality matters in building. No matter what medium amd purpose,quality matters. Most of all,quality of life while on Earth is paramount.

    • Indigenous says:

      Stop using that word about BVI people!
      It is used to describe people who inhabited places before the Europeans invaded. In this region those people were wiped out as a culture but also genocidally as races.
      To describe descendants of Africa as the original people here is to wipe out the indigenous peoples’ story again. Why would one victim want to wipe out another victim of the same oppressor? Are you competing or are you racist against native Indians? One thing you are not is ‘indigenous’.

  20. not with wheatley says:

    Not with this guy it isn’t. he is the most r***st so-called minister i know.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  21. Secret Bear says:

    This is nothing more than a legal way to discriminate against certain nationalities. Immigration should be dictated by the labour market and nothing else.

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  22. Jokes says:

    Listen UK, please just press the reset button let’s have elections tomorrow. This cannot be real life at all!

    Like 19
    Dislike 3
  23. Goofy says:

    They need to focus on the important matter like citizenship earned through marriage, being transferrable. If someone marries a BVIslander, gets Belonger Status after 5 years, divorce, then remarry, their spouse can then be granted Belonger status after 5 years. Don’t take my word for it, do some research on the matter.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  24. LOL says:

    Limiting anything right now is a mistake, the ONLY thing this government should be focused on is how to get tourists in and how to have them leave money behind.

    Instead, your leadership talks about exclusion. My advice is to have happy tourists that go home and tell people how awesome it is and book future vacations. As it is now, people are soured on the way the BVI government CONTINUES to botch the reopening.

    Like 22
  25. Island ? Man. says:

    I’m here calling on all island people as they called us. Who is already here. Plan on leaving as soon as you can. Those who are planning on going there. Please rethink your position. Best look to other jurisdiction.
    You were always surviving before you went to the BVI. You will survive after you left.
    Calling on all the overseas investors, including trust and boating companies to pull out from there at the soonest time possible. Let’s unite and get this done together.

    Like 13
    Dislike 8
    • You sound foolish says:

      Why do you think the trust companies are here and not in your homeland?

      Like 4
      Dislike 4
    • @islun man says:

      When they pull out,for certain they won’t be going n upde I s lun, Investors were here before the dregs and their killer ways arrived and decided it sweeter here than their home where starvation and poverty thrives in their killing fields.

      Like 1
      Dislike 2
  26. Big AL says:

    These f**king jack asses running this country is doing everything to kill the country. They won’t allow foreign investors, franchises now they want to ban people. I am embarrassed by these lowlifes that is running this place. They think that we can survive here by ourselves? If Dominica and St. Vincent stop bringing their agricultural produce here we will starve. My brothers and sisters we have to join hands and hearts and speak out against Andrew Fahie and the VIP government. We are way behind other Caribbean Islands because this government is stifling progress. Instead of calling persons who have the guts to speak out Crazy, we need to address what is happening in broad daylight around us. I don’t need to mention the issues that we should be addressing because we know. Reason for the COI.

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
    • @islun man says:

      When they pull out,for certain they won’t be going n upde I s lun, Investors were here before the dregs and their killer ways arrived and decided it sweeter here than their home where starvation and poverty thrives in their killing fields.

  27. band-aid says:

    This is just putting a band aid on broken immigration and labour policies. Quotas might work, but the system must be fixed first with clear rules and policies that will not be broken for some politician’s cousin before a clear, non discriminatory quota system can be phased in (if they are still necessary).

    Part of our Labour policy should include the establishment of a technical college or high school departments with community apprentice system so we can start training our own kids to be carpenters, mechanics, masons, plumbers, tech repair, IT and electricians.

    Like 4
    Dislike 2
  28. wellsa says:

    I just do not understand why persons from other Caribbean islands always feel they are the only expats in the Virgin Islands.

    Like 3
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  29. ??? says:

    Virgin Islanders serving in the BVI Government will always catch Hell when it comes to Immigration Policies. Why must it always be a condemnation by Virgin Islanders and Expatriates alike? Mr. Minister, I’m supporting you on this One! Who vex let them vex! Virgin Islanders are outnumbered in their own Territory. No person can go to another Territory or Country and try to Decry the same Motion if implemented. But here in the BVI Some thinks that they have entitlement to their Benefit. Visiting is one thing! Taking up Residence, Yes, limit THEM!!!

    Like 5
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    • @??? says:

      Yes, limit them until you need one to work for your business and then when you can’t get him/her you go on the morning shows complaining.

      Like 11
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    • Really? says:

      Flocking to the BVIs, you say? To do what? And, if you don’t want outsiders flocking in, try doing the work they’re willing and able to do for the wages Belongers want to pay.

      Like 4
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  30. system says:

    this small piece of earth can only hold so many people, the infrastructure and other resources cannot support the growing population so at some point any govt would have had to think along this line

    Like 7
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    • Caymanian says:

      Please remind us again about the infrastructures in the BVI. I lived there for a year and left base on none existence of infrastructures.

    • Stephen says:

      The BVI tourism industry would sink quickly without expats. The economy would tank. Work permit holders are needed for a reason. The level of clientele in tourism here demands a level of service provided that not everyone can provide. Many countries in the world also thrive on tourism but have no need to import workers… be grateful for good help that is happy to be here to help the local economy thrive.

      Like 4
      Dislike 1
  31. LouR says:

    This place would be light years ahead if the locals would sit down and let the smart people take control. But its stuck in the stone age.

    Like 11
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  32. first time seeing a hundred dollar bill says:

    Every time we try to protect we country these ungrateful set ah island people mekking noise

    Like 3
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    • island man says:

      protect ur piece of rock from what!

      u all need to protect it from yourself.

      Go on man. God is not a police.

  33. East side says:

    You won’t be in power to see that happen,we voting vip out come next election.

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  34. Professional says:

    So since they saying local dont want to be cleaners etc do I need to be a professional in that department to get a wp to come in do it??

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  35. Belonger says:

    Smoke screen.
    Trying to get the populace to stop paying attention to all the corruption going on:
    1. 2 years salary after they leave office.
    2. Private insurance for them and their families
    3. COI into the waste of money and corruption.
    4. A school system that is on life support since 2017.
    5. An economy that needs steady hand at the wheels…

    Like 14
  36. Anonymous says:

    I dont belive u people and when u guy still want to go on top of the woman them that come from down island

  37. B** m***** Vincent says:

    Wickedness would never stop in the bvi it’s about time god take back everything from y’all
    I hope and pray that this year the hurricanes don’t miss ayo mother f##fer

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  38. ? says:

    this suggestion would not solve anything. We need more business and more BVIslander entrepreneurship and business opportunities and full employment for BVIslander and more expats here. It’s obvious. Our economy has shrunk and he was coy on the numbers of permits but many have left with the jobs and business going elsewhere. We need to encourage business not just cronies. Mayor Suarez in Miami has the right attitude and is killing it right now.

  39. Where Else says:

    Where can BVIlanders go and have it like others have it here? Answer. Not even in the United States if you have a Green Card. People just show some appreciation and gratitude and don’t get me started. You know we can’t go to your homes and even look for a job.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  40. Used to know everyone says:

    You all are misguided who argue about racism.

    You come from big places to a small one and expect it to accommodate endless people in a land with limited resources.

    If you have 10 English men on a island then 40 braggart Japanese move in who can blame them for wanting to preserve their culture by limiting the stifling immigration.

    Here in these comments we have the equivalent of 40 Japanese hounding the BVI for wanting immigration policies that benefit the local population.

  41. Wondering says:

    Does that includes TOURIST?

  42. Hmm says:

    What will this really fix though? Like what is the underlaying issue here? People come and people go and that includes us born here BVIslanders as well. At what point did it became “oversaturated” ? Not everyone who comes, comes looking for status. But before I argue against this I would like to know, limit it by how much? and how will the amount of each nationality be determined? In reference to limitation by profession, is it that we are afraid that or local jobs opportunities are being taken away from us because the positions are being filled with non-locals? If that is the case, then begin with ADDRESSING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. It seems to me that currently, little to no attention is being paid in that area, and if something is being done IT IS NOT ENOUGH. The current system is producing graduates who lack basic skills and proper discipline. I see too many students not having proper appearance in school and who will be applying for positions at people workplace.

  43. Just wait 20 years... says:

    Great! Been here 20 years and now you decide to change the rules!?
    Vincent you like a cat ‘playing’ with a mouse. But we the mouse! We are actually people too. We have families, work hard and pay tax. Can’t tell you the struggle and stress you put on us.
    It is your country. We want to play by the rules…but you keep changing the rules. Just wait, God will judge, and it will not be good for you.

  44. @rastarite says:

    You are so right! It is time to stop giving work permits for level entry positions (waitress, housekeeper, cleaner etc). No wonder the youth have no jobs…they have no work experience, and all the jobs that all other school leavers around the world have as part-time/ first jobs are taken by work permit holders. This needs to stop….specialized roles for WP only!!!

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  45. Steww says:

    Bvi need to get wipe off the globe
    Stupid ministers
    COI pressuring them so the frustrated and taking it out on the expats

    Like 2
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    • Jmr says:

      What about all those medical students you are trying to attract for the new medical school. Are only certain countries going to be allowed to attend?

  46. Investor says:

    I’d like to come and set up a drug importing/exporting business. I could hire many local “fishermen” to transport the goods and……..

    Like 2
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  47. From Blogs says:

    Even from the blogs you can see that we are outnumbered in our own country. People come here and visit and say that “I have never met a native “. Where else this happens? If your country reaches this stage of course you will want something to be done.

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