Gov’t to create comprehensive visa legislation
The government is set to introduce comprehensive visa legislation to strengthen border control and align with international standards.
Governor Daniel Pruce announced the proposed changes during the Speech from the Throne, which was delivered in the House of Assembly yesterday, January 7.
The proposed amendments will update the Immigration and Passport Ordinance to streamline visa processing, ensuring it meets modern standards.
“This legislation will establish a robust legal framework for the processing of visas, addressing an important gap in the current system and reducing associated risks,” Governor Pruce said. He added that the move aims to modernise visa procedures, making them more efficient and transparent.
Key features of the legislation include incorporating visa fees and rates previously approved by Cabinet, along with ensuring adherence to the territory’s financial framework. The Governor highlighted the initiative’s significance in safeguarding the territory.
“This initiative-taking approach will ensure that the Virgin Islands will be well-positioned to manage visa processes efficiently and in full compliance with global best practices,” he added.
Broader immigration reforms
The new visa legislation forms part of broader immigration reforms. Planned amendments to the Immigration and Passport Act will also include mechanisms to manage asylum and refugee cases, as well as streamlined processes for the family members of persons with Belonger status. These updates are intended to reflect the government’s commitment to human rights and family life, the governor noted.
Addressing irregular migration has also become a priority for the territory, Governor Pruce explained. “The territory continues to see a steady increase in irregular migration. The government realises the need for local legislation to support persons fleeing their homeland due to legitimate fear,” he stated.
The reforms come at a time when the BVI is under increased scrutiny to enhance its governance and security measures. These updates will bolster efforts to create a safer, more effective immigration system while supporting the territory’s economic and social growth.
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Great. That should slow the whole immigration and arrival process down nicely. Just what VI needs, slower and more complicated. Perfect.
is the theme of the current Immigration and Passport Act. Best to abolish it and the 2010 Labour Code so businesses in the BVI can finally compete with the other Caribbean islands for the tourist income.
This damn thing about from throne need to change, even to say reading from the theodolph chair or lavity chair man, this modern dedicating of neocolonialism in the BVI and Caribbean on hold is a sacrilege, because it causes psychological trauma to even independent countries been reminded of where they came from, and can’t seem to leave because the elongation of colonialism is embedded in all the Caribbean countries constitution, I am not advocating for none a these political stooges we have that waiting with baited breath to run carry back our lands and resources to the children of our former enslavers, look at all the Caribbean countries and you see the politicians upon becoming independent where they rule over the judiciary they are not answerable to anyone, and sell out the lands to the same white man that we so call want to liberate from, but by the way we got to liberate ourselves from a white Jesus that is creating the benign atmosphere that white empowerment is holy, that’s concocted during white supremacists agenda from slave time or terrorist rule.
Elread. You are forgetting one thing. VI is a Territory of the UK. When the referendum come vote for independence and free yourself. Oh and dont forget that right now it is black people selling land to white people. And dont forget when black people running the place if you are not one of those running the place you will oppressed, but this time by Black not white. Get ready.