Gov’t to scrap visas for work permit holders
The government plans to remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks as part of efforts to improve the territory’s investment climate and help businesses fill vacancies more quickly.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced the move during his 2026 State of the Territory Address at the Noel Lloyd Park on Tuesday, describing it as one of several reforms expected to support economic growth and improve the ease of doing business in the territory.
“In the coming weeks, we will also be removing visas for work permit holders, giving relief to businesses who cannot onboard staff quickly enough to support their operations,” Dr Wheatley told residents who were gathered.
The announcement came as part of a number of initiatives centred on economic diversification, labour market improvements and investment reforms.
According to the Premier, the government has already introduced digital improvements to work permit processing, increased labour outreach efforts and expanded workplace rights education. He said stronger partnerships with employers have also helped improve efficiency and service delivery.
Premier Wheatley said his government is also preparing to expand the RATED programme to include sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and fisheries, marine industries and skilled trades.
He added that the initiative would complement the government’s wider employment policies and help strengthen workforce participation.
The planned visa reform comes as employers across several sectors continue to report challenges in recruiting and onboarding workers. In recent years, government officials have acknowledged concerns from businesses about delays associated with labour and immigration processes.
The government has already implemented a number of digital reforms to modernise work permit administration and reduce processing times. Previous initiatives have included online application systems and efforts to streamline interactions between employers and government agencies.
“Government is also advancing reforms to improve the investment climate, including the proposed Investment Act, establishment of a trade and investment promotion agency to provide a one-stop shop for local and foreign investors,” Dr Wheatley stated.
He added: “My government is 100% committed to creating a business-friendly environment that will facilitate the expansion of our economy.”
No specific implementation date for the removal of visa requirements was announced.
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just give them the keys to the territory no
Whether we like it or not, the world is becoming smaller, metaphorically speaking, and those who recognize that reality and adapt to it will be the ones who benefit. It appears some useful lessons may have been taken from the summit in Colombia. Streamlining processes and leveraging technology are not just fashionable phrases; they are practical ways to increase efficiency and create new revenue streams for government.
This is precisely the kind of forward thinking that is needed. Will there be pushback from those who are short-sighted? Of course. There always is—until they eventually catch up with what should have been obvious from the beginning.
ya’ll please elect mature leaders when y’all go to the polls next time …please..
so your telling me more loss of money to the econmony because why, you want to save persons money at the cost of the territory. Workers are coming here to work regardless. Did we see a decrease in work permitsto make this suggestion or he just want to give his female mingos a break. What is motion for this.
SMH
When anyone from any part of the world is more entitled to a job in the Virgin Islands than the natives of this country but lets just continue to sit down like grinning idiots.
There are more “work permit holders” in the B.V.I than there are B.V.Islanders at this point. This man must hate this place. The fix is simple; implement a descent livable minimum wage so locals can fill these jobs. When other groups outnumber a local population, you no longer have a country. The way you government officials have sold out the place for PERSONAL gain is sickening and heartbreaking. Greed is a cancer that eats countries from within. SHAME ON YOU for neglecting your own people just so business owners can exploit cheap imported labor for the sake of lining their pockets. The scales aren’t balanced in this country. This is actually a pretty reckless move considering elections are approaching.
Do You Think The State Of The territory Address was Really The Views and Intention of The Premier? Well Think again. Who Led The First Mission To Guyana Sometime ago? Who Do You Think Would Lead The Next Mission To India? Well All I Have To Say Is
Welcome USA Deportees To Nature’s Big Secret Where We also Spend US Currency. Barry Say You Will Hear!!
Money Talk and Bullshit Walk!!! Time Will Tell. Hon. Premier, Why Couldn’t You Lift The Minimum Wage From $6.00 to $8.00? Why Couldn”t You Stop The Suspension of The Consumer Protection Bill? Only Time Will Tell.Leaving a VIP Government In Office Will Lead To Further Deterioration of The Virgin Islands Fabric And The Avoidance of A Thriving LifeStyle for Future Generations.
The Virgin Islands (UK) Can Do Better!!
The entire government process needs to be assessed, streamlined, and digitalized. There are redundancies that have long outlived any practical purpose, usefulness, or security value.
By removing as many processes vulnerable to human bias, attitudes, and errors as possible , we can create real efficiency, improve consistency, and deliver better outcomes for the public.
Good decision.
Add their school going children to that list so their children can join them here on vacation, good for family unity and the economy, more groceries
, more clothes,more airline tickets, more airport taxes, more money circulating during July August September the slow periods..