Premier Dr D Orlando Smith has announced a number of soon-to-be implemented initiatives, which include the submission of a single application as well as receipt of a single Permit for both Immigration and Labour Departments.
Persons will also be able to submit their applications and make corresponding payments online, the premier added.
Another category of visitors – Business Visitor – will also be introduced.
Those changes are to be made within the next year, Premier Smith announced this week while he gave an update on the first year of operation for the BVI Forward initiative, which is aimed at strengthening the territory’s financial services sector.
Premier Smith told the audience: “In year two [of BVI Forward], amendments to the Immigration and Passport Act 2013 will make provision for the entry of Business Visitors, and online application and fee processing (e-government) – just to name a few of the proposed additions. Related changes to the Labour Code 2010 are under consideration as well, and will be finalised in the coming weeks.”
“[Also], in year two, an Enhanced Service Model (ESM) for the parallel processing of Immigration and Labour requirements for a Work Permit will be introduced. It will entail one form submission; parallel background processing by both Labour and Immigration functions; collection of a Permit covering both Immigration and Labour clearance; and electronic and online processing and payment of Work Permits,” Premier Smith further said in relation to the impending changes.
In the first year of the BVI Forward initiative, there were also a number of Immigration and Labour reforms.
“In year one, Immigration and labour laws and policies were reviewed with the objective of facilitating the financial services sector in line with provisions offered in competing jurisdictions, and to accommodate the provisions of the Investment Policy. A great amount of time was invested in understanding and mapping the operations and processes of both Labour and Immigration Departments to streamline processing time. Data and IT systems are being updated to support more efficient processing and in preparation for online processing,” the premier further said.
Among the immigration initiatives launched in the first year was the implementation of a visa exemption programme. It allows nationals of countries that require BVI visa to visit if they hold a United Kingdom, United States or Canadian visa.
---
Quelle/Source: BVI News Online, 14.10.2016
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
