People entering the Virgin Islands for a short period to carry out business or to undergo training are no longer required to obtain a work permit.
The Labour Code (Work Permit Exemption) Order, which was recently approved by Cabinet, was Gazetted last Thursday and came into immediate effect.
The move is designed primarily to accommodate those visiting the territory for arbitration or mediation reasons, who will be granted 60 days, permit free.
Other business visitors will be allowed to work in the VI for one week, with extensions considered on request.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith explained that Cabinet approved the decision in support of the recently established BVI International Arbitration Centre.
The independent non-profit institution was founded in 2016 to act as a neutral dispute-resolution body for the international business community.
While the work permit waiver of 60 days is aimed primarily at those visiting the islands for arbitration purposes, many others will be exempt for a period of seven days.
They include people visiting for meetings or conferences, those receiving training from VI businesses, and those attending meetings as directors.
Also exempt are visitors conducting research with the required approval, people making purchases from VI businesses, those visiting clients for negotiations and business deals, and expert witnesses in dispute-resolution cases.
Athletes participating in amateur sporting activities will not need a permit either, and those attending the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Financial Services Institute or other academic institutions will also be eligible for exemption.
SEE THE JULY 27, 2017 EDITION FOR FULL COVERAGE.
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