Effective immediately, employers, agents and human resources managers will have the authority to collect renewed work permits on behalf of their employees.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade confirmed this latest development in a media release published on Monday.
According to the ministry, it is an initiative to streamline the work permit process, “with the aim of making it more convenient for employers and their valuable workforce.”
“The initiative is through the Department of Labour and Workforce Development to enhance the efficiency of the work permit process and improve the ease of doing business in the territory,” the release added.
Following the announcement, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon. Lorna Smith spoke on the benefits of the initiative.
She encouraged all qualified businesses to capitalise on the opportunity.
“Allowing employers, agents, and HR Managers to collect renewal work permits on behalf of their employees will enable organisations to optimise productivity by freeing up valuable time and resources for other critical business activities,” Smith stated.
She added, “By allowing authorised representatives to collect renewal work permits, the Ministry expects a more efficient and convenient experience for all stakeholders, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the territory.”
The ministry also outlined the following criteria that must be met to qualify for the initiative.
- Authorised Representation: Employers, agents, and HRMs must obtain written authorisation from the respective employee to collect their work permit. Written documentation must also be received from the employer, identifying the HRM or agent as the authorised representative of the business.
- Valid Identification: Employers, agents, and HRMs must provide valid identification, such as government-issued identification cards or company-issued identification badges, when collecting work permits. This requirement ensures a secure and reliable collection process.
- Employee Presence in the Territory: The employee must be physically present in the BVI during the work permit renewal collection process.
- Valid Immigration Stamp: The employee must possess a valid immigration stamp in their passport, which must be presented during the collection of the work permit.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph, taken within the last six (6) months, must be provided. This photo will be uploaded onto the employee’s work permit card.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements: Employers and employees must comply with all applicable labour laws and policies regarding work permits, including adhering to immigration laws and related legislation.