Gov’t makes major shift in work permit processing
The government has announced a major shift in the way work permit processing will be done by the Department of Labour & Workforce Development moving forward.
In a release issued yesterday, June 26, the government said effective immediately, employers, agents, and human resources managers (HRMs) will now be able to collect renewal work permits on behalf of their employees.
Labour Minister and Deputy Premier, Lorna Smith, OBE, said the decision to authorise additional persons to collect renewal work permits was based on careful consideration and valuable feedback from customers.
The government said the new initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade to streamline the work permit process while ensuring compliance with established guidelines.
The aim of the initiative, the government said, is to make the work permit process more convenient for employers and their workforce, enhance efficiency, and improve the ease of doing business in the territory.
“Allowing employers, agents, and HR Managers to collect renewal work permits on behalf of their employees will enable organisations to optimise productivity by freeing up valuable time and resources for other critical business activities,” Smith said.
While recognising the time-consuming nature of administrative procedures for employers and employees, Smith said her ministry now expects a more efficient and convenient experience for all stakeholders, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the territory.
Meanwhile, Labour Commissioner, Michelle McLean, explained that the initiative is a testament to the Department’s commitment to assisting its customers in fulfilling their workforce management needs.
The Department listed several criteria that must be met before persons can qualify for the new initiative.
- Authorised Representation: Employers, agents, and HRMs must obtain written authorisation from the respective employee to collect their work permit. Written documentation must also be received from the employer, identifying the HRM or agent as the authorised representative of the business.
- Valid Identification: Employers, agents, and HRMs must provide valid identification, such as government-issued identification cards or company-issued identification badges when collecting work permits. This requirement ensures a secure and reliable collection process.
- Employee Presence in the Territory: The employee must be physically present in the BVI during the work permit renewal collection process.
- Valid Immigration Stamp: The employee must possess a valid immigration stamp in their passport, which must be presented during the collection of the work permit.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph, taken within the last six (6) months, must be provided. This photo will be uploaded onto the employee’s work permit card.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements: Employers and employees must comply with all applicable labour laws and policies regarding work permits, including adhering to immigration laws and related legislation.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Spreading the red carpet for outsiders while locals go thru the red-tape
Locals need work permits??
This is NOT New!
What is new here? These people need work to do. Making a set of stupid Headlines to fool people into thinking that new things are happening. Pure nonsense. This practice has been happening all along. Please ya’ll go back to the drawing Board and come back with something New. I am surprised that the Labour Commissioner went along with this nonsense knowing full well its nothing New. Lorna needs to get going with things that make a difference to improve the lives of the people of the Territory like Cost of Living relief among others.
No they need jobs
Exactly! I believe people just comment to comment for comment sake.
This has not been happening. Employers were never given the right to collect renewal work permits for their employees. Employees were required to collect their own work permits once they are approved.
I said this 30 years ago. The government have to be careful with Labour and World Permits and the Immigration department with Entry Permits. I also said! If someone is renewing a work permit for the same employer that permit should be done within five to ten minutes. But than again Hmm.
I said this 30 years ago. The government have to be careful with Labour and Work Permits and the Immigration department with Entry Permits. I also said! If someone is renewing a work permit for the same employer that permit should be done within five to ten minutes. But than again Hmm.
Sounds like a lot of red tape for something which is supposed to improve efficiency.
@There we go
You didn’t read that comment back and processed how ignorant it sounds? Do locals need to go through Immigration and Labour? Abeg please hold your incorrect analysis.
Laughable. Re-arranging a deck chair on the Titanic
If stupid was a reply..
So is the Labour Minister monitoring all of our graduates and ensuring that there are positions available for them as they do not require work permits? There were lots of graduates from HLSCC and now 177 from Elmore Stoutt High School and there are others from private schools and Virgin Gorda. We have to now take stock of how many work permits are being handed out to the disenfranchisement of locals who do not need one and are having a difficult time finding work. I know many local college graduates, and high school graduates looking for work. Where is their help?
Who are we building this country for if not our own? Shouldn’t they have first priority to jobs? And is this not done everywhere else in the world where you can find locals for jobs there are no work permit issued? No problem with others coming to our shores for a better life, but we have lost a true grasp on what is going on in our work force. Our young people are not working. They need work and even part time work for those planning to attend HLSCC.
I agree with you 1,000%
How to apply.
I need cnc machine job.
As I could see,labour and immigration has the dumbest system not for corresponding,yet police and the hospital link together.