Business owners are being reminded of the new procedure in place to accommodate the entry of skilled workers into the Territory to assist in recovery efforts.

Since the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Government of the Virgin Islands created a policy which allows for needed skilled workers to enter the Territory by following a special variation of the work permit process, known as the Skilled Workers Programme.

These work permits were granted on request of a local employer once the relevant documentation was presented to the Department of Labour.  The process allowed employees quick entry in to the Territory to assist in the recovery process and avoid having to wait for the usual work permit process to be undertaken.

 Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering said, “We are getting to a point now where we are changing the dynamics slightly to ensure that as our needs and demands change, we adjust to help the labour situation of the country.”  

He added, “The needs seem to be more stable now, in terms of getting workers in and out of the country relatively quickly and while skilled workers’ work permits will still be processed, they will now be done through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour to ensure the process is better streamlined.”

Employers who are desirous of employing skilled workers to enter the Territory under the Work Permit Waiver for skilled workers must submit a request in writing to the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering with the required documents:  

• Applicant’s name;
• Position/Title;
• Proposed length of time in the Territory;
• Arrival date;
• Where the applicant will reside when in the Territory;
• Copy of passport signature page;
• Trade Licence of intended employer; and
• Information relative to job site(s)/clients that the company will be or are working with.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Immigration Department will continue to do their part to assist with the recovery process and is seeking the cooperation of employers to ensure a smooth execution of the process.

For more information please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour at 468 2147.