BVI Government Announces Changes To Immigration Policy
The government of the British Virgin Islands has outlined the details of a new immigration policy
framework in a bid to clarify the rules surrounding applications for residence
and ‘belonger’ status.
Unveiling the new rules at a press conference earlier this week, Chief Minister
Orlando Smith explained that the Board of Immigration will make recommendations
in 2005 concerning those who applied for residence status before January 1 2003
and have lived in the territory continuously for the last twenty years. Upon completion of this task, the board will then make recommendations as individuals
approach the twentieth anniversary of their residence in the territory, whilst
approvals for those applying for residency status after January 1 2003 will
be limited to no more than 25 persons per year. Regarding applications for belonger status, the immigration board will recommend
a maximum of 25 applications per year from those who already possess a certificate
of residence. The government also stressed that in all cases, individuals cannot be away
from the BVI for more than 90 days in any calendar year if they want to qualify
for residency status. Smith acknowledged that controlling immigration in the territory represented
a “very serious challenge” for the government, and explained that a balance must
be struck between welcoming outsiders and protecting the privileges afforded
to BVI citizens.
A comprehensive report in our Intelligence Report series
describing country characteristics, taxation and residency rules in a number of jurisdictions
is available in the Lowtax Library at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/subs_reports.asp
and a description of the report can be seen at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/description_report4.asp .
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE LOWTAX NETWORK has taken reasonable care in sourcing and presenting the information contained on this site, but accepts no responsibility for any financial or other loss or damage that may result from its use. In particular, users of the site are advised to take appropriate professional advice before committing themselves to involvement in offshore jurisdictions, offshore trusts or offshore investments. All materials on this site copyright THE LOWTAX NETWORK 1999 to 2009. Contact us for further information.