TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC—The government of its British overseas territory is actively exploring the integration of its Customs and Immigration departments into a unified Joint Border Control Force.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley revealed this during a recent address to parliament. He said the merger is being considered to improve border security, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery.
“The Customs and Immigration Department serves as the first line of defense in protecting our borders and safeguarding national security,” he said.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, it follows a study visit to the Cayman Islands in June 2024, where BVI officials examined the Cayman Islands’ Customs and Border Control model.
According to the Premier, “It was evident that integrating border security functions yields numerous benefits,” including improved operational efficiency, better enforcement capabilities, and a smoother experience for travelers and businesses.
Meanwhile, he sought to assure the public that despite the talks, there are no immediate plans to merge Customs and Immigration, and a structured transition plan is being developed to determine the legislative, operational, financial, and human resource implications of merging Customs and Immigration.
“The proposal to establish a Joint Border Control Force is being approached in a phased manner,” he stated, adding that the plan will include stakeholder consultations, staff engagement, and border management modernization.
Wheatley also emphasized that the move is not about downsizing or job losses but rather about strengthening border security and ensuring the economic stability of the Virgin Islands. “This initiative is not about job losses or downsizing, but rather about building a more robust and efficient border security system,” he assured.
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