Businesses struggling to bring workers into the Territory could soon get relief as government moves to eliminate visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley during his State of the Territory Address this evening, June 9 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, where he outlined a series of measures aimed at making the Virgin Islands more attractive to investors and businesses.
According to Wheatley, the visa-free initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to improve the Territory’s investment climate and remove barriers that slow economic growth.
“Government is also advancing reforms to improve the investment climate, including the proposed Investment Act, establishment of a Trade and Investment Promotion Agency to provide a one-stop shop for local and foreign investors,” Wheatley said.
He stressed that government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment that supports expansion of the economy.
“In the coming weeks, we will also be removing visas for work permit holders, giving relief to businesses who cannot onboard staff quickly enough to support their operations,” the Premier announced.
The move comes as employers continue to raise concerns about labour shortages and delays in securing workers needed to fill key positions.
Wheatley said government is also pursuing digital improvements to work permit processing, workforce development initiatives, labour outreach programmes and stronger partnerships with employers to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The Premier further revealed plans to expand the RATED Programme - Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development - into additional sectors including hospitality, agriculture, fisheries, marine services and skilled trades.
The programme targets unemployed and underemployed residents, particularly young men and vulnerable youth, helping them gain skills and transition into meaningful employment.
Wheatley said the expanded programme will support a broader national employment policy aimed at strengthening workforce participation and creating long-term economic opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
The announcement was made by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley during his State of the Territory Address this evening, June 9 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, where he outlined a series of measures aimed at making the Virgin Islands more attractive to investors and businesses.
According to Wheatley, the visa-free initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to improve the Territory’s investment climate and remove barriers that slow economic growth.
“Government is also advancing reforms to improve the investment climate, including the proposed Investment Act, establishment of a Trade and Investment Promotion Agency to provide a one-stop shop for local and foreign investors,” Wheatley said.
He stressed that government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment that supports expansion of the economy.
“In the coming weeks, we will also be removing visas for work permit holders, giving relief to businesses who cannot onboard staff quickly enough to support their operations,” the Premier announced.
The move comes as employers continue to raise concerns about labour shortages and delays in securing workers needed to fill key positions.
Wheatley said government is also pursuing digital improvements to work permit processing, workforce development initiatives, labour outreach programmes and stronger partnerships with employers to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The Premier further revealed plans to expand the RATED Programme - Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development - into additional sectors including hospitality, agriculture, fisheries, marine services and skilled trades.
The programme targets unemployed and underemployed residents, particularly young men and vulnerable youth, helping them gain skills and transition into meaningful employment.
Wheatley said the expanded programme will support a broader national employment policy aimed at strengthening workforce participation and creating long-term economic opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
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