House moves amendment to fix 30-Year Belongership wait

The House of Assembly has moved a bill to correct legislative oversights that effectively extended the waiting period for Belongership in the Virgin Islands to 30 years.

The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2025 reduces the required period of ordinary residency back to 10 years, fixing an issue caused by amendments passed in 2024.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the move was part of a broader immigration reform agenda. “The amendment to section 16 is proposed because the Immigration and Passport Amendment Act 2024 had the unintended consequence of lengthening the period of being ordinarily resident in the territory for Belonger status for an effective 30 years,” he explained.

The 2024 changes had created a two-tier requirement—ten years to qualify for residency and an additional 20 years for Belongership under section 16. The new bill reverts the latter to 10 years.

“This bill builds on the progress we have made in 2024 and addresses several key areas that require attention,” Dr Wheatley stated. He said the government was working toward “a system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all members of our territory.”

In addition to the residency fix, the bill clarifies the definition of “ordinarily resident,” outlines the qualifications for the Immigration Board, and introduces benefits for immigration officers, including funeral and medical allowances.

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn described the legislation as a “clean-up bill” correcting past errors. “There’s nothing new here that warrants me to stay on my feet to speak for a very long time,” he remarked. He expressed support for the change to the residency requirement, saying, “We made an error, and we’re just trying to tidy it up, which is a good thing.”

The bill also penalises employers for facilitating immigration offences and sets conditions for persons transitioning from work permit holders to dependents. Clause 29A makes such enabling an offence, punishable by a fine of $5,000.

Dr Wheatley stressed the reforms are not just procedural but also cultural, calling for a “shared identity” among residents. “What we are saying with this immigration reform is no, you have to demonstrate a certain level of commitment,” he asserted.

The Premier said further reforms, including labour changes, are on the horizon.

“We have to look after the interests of our people,” he added.