Governor approves law for ‘residency by birth’

Governor Daniel Pruce has officially assented to the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, which includes provisions for granting Residence Status to children born in the BVI to non-Belonger parents.

The law introduces a suite of new measures to enhance the immigration process in the Virgin Islands and is expected to improve transparency and fairness in immigration policies. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed optimism about the new law, stating that it represents “a significant step forward in ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the immigration process.”

He highlighted that these amendments align with the recent Commission of Inquiry recommendations, which had called for more explicit guidelines in awarding residency and Belonger status.

Clear guidelines on tenure eligibility

A notable feature of the amended Act is the establishment of clear guidelines on the length of time required for individuals to qualify for Residence and Belonger status. Additionally, the law lays out a formal process for determining annual Immigration quotas, a responsibility that now falls to the Board of Immigration. The board will recommend these quotas to the Cabinet, using data on population trends, labour market conditions, and housing availability to inform its decisions.

“The Act addresses key recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry and sets clear guidelines for granting residence and Belonger status,” Premier Wheatley stated. “These amendments will allow us to better manage the growth and development of our territory while safeguarding the interests of our people.”

Immigration data analysis mandate 

The law also mandates government entities to gather and analyse data to support the territory’s sustainable development. This data-driven approach ensures that immigration decisions reflect the needs and capacity of the BVI, promoting responsible population growth that considers available resources and job opportunities.

The government assured that it would continue to prioritise policies that improve the quality of life for Virgin Islanders and secure a sustainable future.

The new law took effect on November 1, marking a pivotal moment in the BVI’s efforts to enhance its immigration system and uphold the interests of all residents.