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'Untold damages' in blocking return of work permit, exemption holders - Dr Pickering
Speaking during a recent interview with 284 Media on the controversial topic, Dr Pickering noted that the privilege of a work permit exemption for the Virgin Islands is also granted for good reasons to those who qualify.
Damage to families & businesses
"If you basically say that my spouse went away on vacation or went away for whatever reason, and because of the lockdown they are not allowed to come back into the country, then you are doing untold damage to families and therefore the social infrastructure of our country is going to be tethering on the brink of disaster," he said.
According to Dr Pickering, while there is an unspoken role and primary responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and people, the majority of the local labour force is also non-local and is dependent on expats.
"You think about it even further. Everybody who has a work permit in this country they are working for a local firm or company, because you can't get a work permit on your own, you have to be sponsored by your employer so you are saying that local businesses cannot function because their employees have gone away for whatever purpose and cannot come back."
Damage to economy
The former minister said persons locked out would also be residing somewhere in the Territory, whether it's their own home or a rental property.
"If you stop collecting rent in this country, most persons who collect rent they depend on the rent either to pay their mortgage or to pay their additional bills if its an investment and now all of a sudden you can't collect your rent and so you of yourself start falling behind."
Dr Pickering said the multiplier effect that results from the decision needs to be rethinked since, according to him, it currently has more negatives than positives.
Decision based on context
He remarked that the decision could be seen counterproductive as it was one based on the current context of the pandemic.
"But then when you look at it you realise, this needs to be rethought, the negatives are outweighing the positives, the risks are much more than benefits," he said.
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40 Responses to “'Untold damages' in blocking return of work permit, exemption holders - Dr Pickering”
In my considered opinion, the government need to take a keen look at what the current immigration laws says on re-entry and then fashion policies and innovative initiatives that does not conflict with the law to give persons a reasonable opportunity to re-enter the Territory.
They must identify specific areas of interest in these trying times, with practical and realistic approaches to help resolve some of the current and future problems facing the Immigration Department and by extension the Territory. Seize the time. Be brave.
The earth is the Lords' he only lend it to us to live in. Let us be careful and be mindful how we treat pple.
How about an internship or mirroring advanced workers to get the graduates feet wet! How about securing individuals who are here and out of work because of Covid-19 first before adding more financial strain to Government’s purse...
How can this be done when we continue to import the likes of you? The point is, there are things they can do! And these opportunities need to be available for those who want to work full time or path time while they work towards their career goals! Not everyone is like you and can run off to college!!! And the opening is not only for them but for the others who are here and are out there seeking employment daily!
Clearly you are the type that loves to drive by the blocks and little crevices with your head held high and see the youths who by the way, has morphed from not only having young men but also females sitting around! What sets us apart I am the one that mix and mingle with them and hear about how many applications they have sent out and haven’t heard any feedback from the establishments. This is also coming from HLSCC Graduates as well!!!
Your concerned is that of selfishness and for your own gratification! I am for DEALING WITH WHO iS HERE (GRaDUATE, BELONGER, IMMIGRANT) everyone else has to wait for what is left...
These people are right here and can pick up the slack! So GET YUH LIFE... from CockRoach!