The government of the British Virgin Islands is in the process of testing a new online application process for entry permits.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, in a recent announcement said while the online platform is being created, employers are now able to send work permit applications directly to immigration.
“As of Monday, February 19, any company can have their work permits processed for the employees by having all the documents for the employees sent from the company directly to the Immigration Department. This would also apply for the owners or managers of companies,” Smith said.
“We expect this to be up and running within the next few weeks… This will add to the efficiency of the application process at the Immigration Department,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Premier said organizations or persons responsible for any number of volunteers are now required to submit volunteer applications to the facility based in the capital of Road Town.
Persons must write to the Chief Immigration Officer indicating the name of the parent organization, when persons are expected to arrive in the territory, and how long they plan to stay, the Premier said.
“This request will then be facilitated by the Immigration Department,” he added.
The changes are being rolled out to improve the Immigration process which has been described as chronically cumbersome.
According to Immigration officials, persons comprising mostly expatriate workers have been flocking the department in crowds since the hurricanes.
These persons are forced to stand in extremely long lines to get their Immigration documents processed.
The problem is compounded by the influx of persons entering the territory to assist with recovery.
