The waiver was implemented to address the territory’s needs in the wake of the 2017 hurricane season, but has since been subject to abuse.
With effect on April 30, 2019, approximately 20 months after the former National Democratic Party government of the British Virgin Islands implemented a work permit waiver policy under the Skilled Workers Programme, the programme has been discontinued. The waiver programme was implemented after the 2017 hurricane season to fast-track the territory’s recovery process and has enabled hundreds of skilled workers, particularly those in the construction sector, to enter and work in the British Virgin Islands. There have since been reports of skilled workers abusing the system by abandoning their employment for more highly-paid jobs.
Employers will be allowed a three- month grace period to facilitate employees who are still in possession of a valid, previously-issued work permit to continue to work.
