Wheatley reports ‘backlog’ at Labour Department since lockdown
Labour & Immigration Minister, Vincent Wheatley.
The Minister of Labour & Immigration Vincent Wheatley is reporting a backlog of work permit-related applications at the Department of Labour.
Wheatley told BVI News in an interview on Wednesday that the backlog was brought on by the coronavirus pandemic that disrupted regular operations within the public service and the wider territory.
While unable to state the extent of the backlog, Wheatly said work permit holders who weren’t able to renew their documents during the last three weeks of lockdown will not be sanctioned.
“I think a lot of permits would have expired during the lockdown period. So, naturally, there would have been a backlog. But, we won’t penalize anyone,” the minister said.
Appointment-only services at Immigration
As for the Department of Immigration, persons who missed their appointments because of the said lockdown will be rescheduled.
These rescheduled dates will come after Monday, May 4 when Immigration commences appointment-only services.
All visitors should call the department to make an appointment. Visitors on Tortola should call the Tortola office, while those from Virgin Gorda and Anegada are asked to contact the Virgin Gorda Department of Immigration.
“Information regarding all other processes will be forthcoming at a later date. Persons requiring other services should contact the department by email at [email protected],” a media release from the department said.
Visitors should also note that requirements for time extensions include a valid passport (to include passports of dependents where applicable), and a $10 fee.
In the meantime, persons are reminded that masks that cover the mouth and nose are required in order to be served.
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IN THESE HARD TIMES WE ARE STILL ISSUING NEW PERMITS?
They’re probably mostly renewals as opposed to new applications. Remember that there are lots of people who are have been here on work permits for years – built their lives here, supported the community and paid taxes the same as everyone else #oneBVI
Why do people build on a sandpit?
just pondering why…
U really think anyone who lost their job in an office going go the supermarket and do bags or stock shelves; you think them go clean the offices and be dishwashers, you think with all that pride them got they going go clean toilets and fold clothes is they stores or pack stock on the beauty supply shelves…. you know better than that. Bot even belongers that ain’t working want take these jobs they feel that are beneath them.
It look like we are going to lose 1000 jobs in 1000 days
More like lose 1000 jobs during the lockdown (which was obviously less than 1000 days).
Lets see what the mantra will be now. O yea “no mask no service”
But i thought government workers were working from home. Labour Department didn’t get the memo. So what were they doing all this time with the government issued laptops and remote access clearance. Inquiring minds want to know.
Surfing the web (just like when they are in the office), abusing their curfew passes to shop, and running their own businesses (just like when they are in the office).
No Sh@t Sherlock..
Mr Wheatley the ex employees of M W who was made redundant from 1st September 2019 would like to know wat is the status of their severance pay all know we cannot get any answer from Labour Dept so can u please look into this matter we need to get our severance pay we have work for this man for 18 uears ,15 Years etc please sir look into this matter
Wow, this is shameful, if true…should set the example and pay what is due to these employees. IMHO
I SINCERELY HOPE THAT LABOUR DEPT. WILL VARIFY THAT PERSONS STILL HAVE A JOB TO GO TO, BEFORE THE RENEWAL IS GRANTED
Both Labour and immigration need competent managers bottom line. The acting chief immigration …