Eight public officers were recognised for exceptional customer service and pinned as the first members of the Public Service Star Membership Club.

Madame Speaker, there has been a lot of buzz in the Territory over the last few days about my Government’s decision through the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands to grant to nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), access to enter and remain in the Virgin Islands as tourists or for business related matters, without the need for a visa.

The public is advised that the Immigration Department’s headquarters located at the RJT Edifice in Road Town will be closed on Thursday, March 29. 

Senior Immigration Officer, Mr. Ian Penn has stated that the appointment system rolled out on March 1 at the Immigration Department has positive signs of being successful.

The Immigration Department is working to address the issue of the long lines and will be implementing an appointment system from March 1.

The public is advised that the Immigration Department’s Administration Unit will be closed early on Monday, February 12 at 3:15 p.m.

Persons entering the British Virgin Islands for the sole purpose of work and/or to reside, are reminded of the options for submitting medical certificates. Medical certificates from their place of origin can be presented at the port of entry, to be certified by a local practitioner; or medical examinations can be completed locally by a medical practitioner of choice or by the Immigration Clinic.

A multi-year entry permit will now be granted to eligible individuals effective immediately.

Effective January 1, 2018, persons entering the British Virgin Islands for the purpose of work and to reside, now have the option to either submit medical certificates from their place of origin at the port of entry, as is the current practice, or to undergo medical examinations locally with a medical practitioner of choice.