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  by pltm
• Oct 19, 2016
• 0

(PLTM) - An expatriate cannot be denied a work permit if they refuse to take part in the recently implemented policy where prospective new work permit holders must complete a mandatory orientation/training session at the Labour Department.

In her 2015 annual report, Complaints Commissioner Sheila Braithwaite said that she commenced an investigation into the the Labour Department's mandatory training/orientation, which started in November 2015.

She said that she complimented the programme as a good and necessary initiative, but inquired into the policy guidelines for the activity, mainly because persons who may refuse to attend sessions may be refused permits on the basis of not attending the mandatory training.

"This would amount to maladministration as there is no legal authority to make the training mandatory," the Complaints Commissioner stated.

This investigation has been traversed to sometime this year as an Own Motion dubbed, "Mandatory Work Permit Orientation for New Work Permit Employees and Employers".

Labour Commissioner, Mrs. Janice Rymer had indicated that the purpose of the orientation is to ensure that sound labour practices are followed through the enforcement of the BVI Labour Laws/Code, so that a harmonious working environment can exist between the employer and employee.

According to the policy, the session must be completed by the employee before work permit card is issued.

Mrs. Rymer previously stated that some of the benefits to be derived from the orientation are building employer/employee awareness and compliance on health and safety and labour relation matters, and reducing unauthorised employment from within the Territory.

She said additional benefits include curtailing the number of reported disputes by informing employees and employers of their rights as prescribed in the Labour Code, 2010 and strengthening the relationship between employer/employees and the Labour Department.

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