TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – The Cabinet has approved Belonger status for 75 new individuals in the British Virgin Islands. According to a document from a recent executive body meeting, the Cabinet approved awarding these individuals Belonger status based on recommendations from the Board of Immigration.
Twenty-one of the recipients were granted Belonger status through marriage. According to Section 6(6) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised), spouses of Belongers become eligible for Belonger status after living with their spouses in the territory for at least five years.
Meanwhile, fifty-four applicants were granted Belonger status after meeting the legal requirements outlined in Section 16(3) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised).
Earlier this year, the Cabinet officially approved the new Belonger Status and Permanent Residence Policy, which aims to address critical aspects of immigration.
The policy stipulates that individuals must reside in the territory for 20 years before becoming eligible to apply for Belonger status.
This policy mirrors a previous, controversial National Democratic Party (NDP) government policy introduced years ago, which was found to be unlawful during the Commission of Inquiry (COI) process.
The policy sets forth guidelines for eligibility for Residence and belonging status, criteria for the Cabinet’s award of status, and the establishment of quotas, among other provisions. It also outlines the pathway for children to obtain Residence Status and addresses the status of children born in the BVI to non-belonger parents.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized that the policy takes a balanced approach toward economic growth, cultural integration, and social stability. He stressed that it acknowledges the contributions of immigrants to the community while protecting the interests and heritage of Virgin Islanders.
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