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Long lines still haunt Immigration & Labour Departments
Criticised in the press and on social media, both the Immigration and the Labour Departments and Ministers holding the portfolios, came up with policies to reduce the long lines and make the process go smoother, as it took sometimes up to three days to be sorted out, depending on the matter being addressed.
There was also controversy, in terms of how, many expatriate persons felt they were treated, having had to leave the country because their places of employment were destroyed by the Hurricanes—even after many had secured new employment.
Many human rights activist and local commentators felt the policy was discriminatory, as it only appeared to affect persons from the Caribbean Islands.
The Immigration and Labour departments, subsequently put in place an appointment system for renewal of work permits, dates to take photos and an immigration system to process extended request times and other immigration related matters.
Discrimination & casualty
Former Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, was also ousted—many speculating, because she stuck to the rules that were already in place, despite calls from politicians requesting favours and for her to compromise the Immigration laws.
As of today August 14, 2018, not much has improved at both the Immigration and Labour Departments.
The lines are still long, there is much confusion—sometimes on the polices—and there is an impression that Caribbean visitors and workers are ‘knocked about’—those who are usually ‘black,’ while North American and European visitors and potential works are given the red carpet.
A few months ago out going Premier and Co-Leader of Government Business, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL)—also the Minister for Immigration—announced a six-month ‘visa free’ policy for Chinese visitors, while there are four neighbouring Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Islands with a visa requirement imposed.
They are Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and the Dominican Republic.
Opposition Leader Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called for a level playing field.
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12 Responses to “Long lines still haunt Immigration & Labour Departments”
Point is EVERY SINGLE AREA of BVI life, for BVI citizens more than anyone, is held back by this messed up system. Education, healthcare, amenities, economical and entrepreneurial opportunities are all thwarted. The individuals client facing have improved immeasurably the but laws and systems and working facilities do not keep up. A quick and easy fix is to pick a place it works better (Cayman? Singapore? Bermuda?) and cherry pick the best bits.
Yet guy hill was a dam demon? This political will feel it at the polls. I Brad Boynes sey so.
that as a method to get something done. As far as a 'red carpet' - where? Maybe for those REALLY connected to
the British Gov, and who are citizens of related countries that were once under British rule, and of course the existing
dependancies and territories. Citizenship and 'honorable belonger' status seems to be bestowed by a Governor,
and such don't need work permits. But quite a few arrogant snobby people have been allowed in. For all the bad
press, the US is easier to get a work permit if you are a foreigner. But now the visa is difficult to obtain. Red
carpet? More like carpetbaggers fleecing foreigners. unless they are criminals.
Stop your silly red carpet talk. What other country in the civilized world does sh*t lIke that? Does your native country do this ? Sheese man.