TORTOLA,British Virgin Islands, CMC—Under the newly revised immigration policy for this British Overseas territory, community involvement is now a mandatory criterion for eligibility for Permanent Residence and Belonging status.
A section of the recent policy document adopted by the government states: “Applicants for Permanent Residence and Belonger Status must show a commitment to the cultural values and social fabric of the Virgin Islands, including participation in community initiatives and an understanding of our history and traditions.” Guidelines included in the policy document state that applicants should demonstrate a history of active and positive participation in their current communities.
The policy document specifies that community involvement can take various forms, including volunteering, participation in community projects, or other civic engagements. These activities should reflect a commitment to communal well-being and solidarity. For instance, applicants can demonstrate their volunteerism through sustained contributions to registered Non-Profit Organizations, Civic Societies, Community-Based Organizations, and Religious Organizations.
This requirement aims to foster a sense of solidarity and belonging, encouraging newcomers to contribute positively to the territory’s social fabric. The policy highlights the importance of civic responsibility and community integration in the immigration process.
The new policy also introduced a point-based system to evaluate Permanent Residence and Belonger Status applications. This system uses quantifiable metrics to provide a transparent and objective method for assessing applicants.
Factors such as employment history, community involvement, cultural integration, and environmental responsibility will be considered. The point-based system ensures fairness and consistency in the immigration process, aligning with the territory’s values and development goals.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says this reformed framework aligns with the Virgin Islands’ national development priorities, balancing economic growth, cultural integration, environmental sustainability, and social stability.
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