TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – The Governor of this British Overseas Territory, Daniel Pruce, on Thursday officially assented to the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, which includes provisions for granting Residence Status to children born here to non-belonger parents.
Under the new legislation, this benefit is non-automatic and will require persons to apply for this category of residency status.
The law introduces new measures to enhance the immigration process and is expected to improve transparency and fairness in immigration policies.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed optimism about the new law, stating it represents “a significant step forward in ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the immigration process.”
He highlighted that these amendments align with the recent Commission of Inquiry recommendations, which had called for more explicit guidelines in awarding residency and Belonger status.
A notable feature of the amended Act is the establishment of clear guidelines on the length of time required for individuals to qualify for Residence and Belonger status.
Additionally, the law lays out a formal process for determining annual Immigration quotas, which now falls to the Board of Immigration. The board will recommend these quotas to the Cabinet, using population trends, labor market conditions, and housing availability data to inform its decisions.
“The Act addresses key recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry and sets clear guidelines for granting residence and Belonger status,” Wheatley stated. “These amendments will allow us better to manage the growth and development of our territory while safeguarding the interests of our people.”
The law also mandates government entities to gather and analyze data to support the territory’s sustainable development. This data-driven approach ensures that immigration decisions reflect the BVI’s needs and capacity, promoting responsible population growth that considers available resources and job opportunities.
The government assured that it would continue to prioritize policies that improve the quality of life for Virgin Islanders and secure a sustainable future.
The new law, approved on November 1, will take effect shortly. It also marks a pivotal moment in the BVI’s efforts to enhance its immigration system and uphold the interests of all residents.
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