Will gov’t recover lost revenue from visa removals?
The government is exploring changes to its immigration system as it weighs how to address reduced revenue following the removal of visa requirements for some nationals, including Guyanese visitors and workers.
During a recent press conference, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley was asked about a reported 13.72 per cent decline in revenue collected by the Civil Registry and Passport Office, which officials attributed to the visa policy change.
Responding to concerns about whether the government intends to recover those losses, the Premier said revenue generation must be balanced against broader policy goals.
“Well, we always want to recover lost revenue and increase revenue, but I don’t want to see a visa regime as a money-making regime,” he stated.
Dr Wheatley indicated that the government is already considering reforms to simplify the existing system, which currently requires multiple approvals for non-nationals seeking to work in the territory.
“For instance, persons have to get an entry permit and a work permit and a visa. I believe that that is completely unnecessary, and it results in duplication of several of the same processes,” he explained.
The Premier said his administration is aiming to consolidate these requirements into a single permit. According to him, such a move would reduce administrative burdens for both workers and businesses while also providing an opportunity to adjust fees.
“It would be my goal in the very short and near future to… just have one permit that would regulate persons from other countries working in the BVI,” he said.
He added that a unified system could also allow the government to set a single fee, replacing the current structure of multiple charges. “We can always consider having one price instead of three different prices and try to see if also… we can recover some money there,” he stated.
The issue comes amid broader discussions about immigration, labour and regional integration, as the territory continues to rely heavily on foreign workers. The Premier noted during the press conference that more than 70 per cent of the workforce comes from outside the Virgin Islands.
While the removal of visas for certain nationals has reduced direct government intake from fees, the administration appears focused on restructuring the system rather than reinstating previous requirements.
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Make emotional decisions then think about financial implications after the fact. We need proven, competent businesspeople to run this country, not these pretenders who are just happy to drive a government vehicle and carry a title.
You should do a story about Government wasting taxes payers money…..
The current VIP administration needs a robust Economic Development Plan because 6.25% interest on a $100 million loan is no joke they will pay back 500000 dollar on that loan after 8 yrs. Wasting tax dollars is a norm but wasting borrowed monies is a crisis.
I hardly agree with you Mr. Premier but this one makes sense.
The rank of many political leaders here in the VI are thieves.
They are individuals who are not interested in the interest of this country, from the last administration to this one.
As long as we continue electing such inndividuals into positions of elected office across this territory, they will and are going to be manipulated for their own and others innterest, not the country and people. The examples are clear as day, every day.
Political governance reform is needed and over due.
This needed to be done lije yestwrday. Premier dont dont linger on tgis. It is to time consuming and passport office dont care.
By punishing long term residents who seek permanent status with a 500 % increase in fees..Not a good government, oppressing the minimum wage, no tax exemption increase to help small salary workers, yet they impose all these high fees. They forget poor people vote too.
best news for now