Gov’t approves revised Belonger policy
The has government approved a revised policy for Belonger status and permanent residence in the territory. It said the policy provides a fair, clear, and transparent process for granting these statuses to individuals who are neither permanent residents nor Belongers.
The move comes in response to the recommendations from the review of the Framework for the Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Recommendations and other reforms.
A post-meeting Cabinet statement indicated that the policy will be tabled in the House of Assembly at the next convenient sitting.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development was asked to provide drafting instructions to the Attorney General’s Chambers to amend the Immigration and Passport Act to give effect to the new policy.
The policy, among other things, sets forth guidelines on the eligibility for residence and Belonger status, criteria for the Cabinet’s status award, and the establishment of quotas.
It also outlines the pathway for children to obtain Residency status and the status of children born in the BVI to non-Belonger parents.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously emphasised the policy’s balanced approach towards economic growth, cultural integration, and social stability. Dr Wheatley stressed that it also acknowledged the contributions of immigrants to the community while protecting the interests and heritage of Virgin Islanders.
“The new Immigration policy proposes planning and decision-making processes that will inform the sustainable management of statuses granted,” Premier Wheatley stated. “The policy was approved after a careful analysis of labour market needs, population density, the importance of fostering investment and availability of resources which will ensure balanced growth.”
The policy responds to longstanding issues and recommendations from the COI, aiming to extend beyond its initial scope to establish a comprehensive immigration policy framework.
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What is the new policy?, please do tell.
‘New policy is fair and transparent’…just like a bowl of mud
??????
MAYSON AYO STOP GIVING AWAY WE COUNTRY
This is just as good as nothing. No information was given. Before you rush to give the news find out the news
Nobody taking away a country when you need the followingz:
At least 40-45 thousand people to have commerce flowing properly
This includes
Services for a proper NHI flow and to generate money into the system
Banking opportunities
Good and services exchange
Boom for small business
Increase in air and sea transport
Increase in commere for land transport etc
Narrow minded persons who cannot see beyond their big toe
Have no clue about the things they say
Yes social ills will increase but policies to curb … must be enforced
There’s such a word S Fair and Balance.Wh3 else in the Caribbean some 1500 expats were given status? And since the 1500 batch several others have been regularised. In any case, Cayman Island has a 7 year stay/work time limit and then you are on your way back to your country or another country who needs your talents and skills. Some years ago when NDP was in power they had contemplated making it a 5-year stay/work deal.Used to be #OneBvi
No matter what Policies and laws they have the people in the office responsible for making decisions will find ways to help their friends and find ways to oppressed their enemies..This is a fact. They will send their friends file that just came in to the Board ahead of people application that’s been in for years. 5-6-7yrs. Some people application been in there so long with no attention that the papers rotten. The people are now old They are asking them to resubmit. How could this be.?
Whereas the actual policy? Can it be shared for the viewing public? As a normal course of implementation of a new policy