BVI publishes guidelines regarding new visa requirement for Jamaicans
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| Published on Friday, February 23, 2007 |
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ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Civil Registry and Passport Office in the British Virgin Islands has published guidelines regarding the implementation of the BVI’s new visa requirement for Jamaican nationals, which takes effect on April 1.
The detailed information will be printed in local newspapers over the next two weeks and is now posted on the Deputy Governor’s Office website, www.dgo.gov.vg. Fliers will also be available from various government departments beginning next week.
Among other things, the guidelines state that Jamaican nationals residing in the BVI may apply for their BVI visa at the passport office, located at the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, beginning on March 1. They further explain that Jamaican nationals with belonger or residency status are not required to obtain a visa.
Meanwhile, Jamaican nationals residing abroad may apply through any visa-issuing United Kingdom Embassy or High Commission. A list of such offices can be found at the Foreign and Commonwealth website, www.fco.gov.uk.
Registrar-General Victoreen Romney-Varlack said that the implementation plan was developed by a committee with representatives from the Chief Minister’s Office, Departments of Immigration and Labour, Civil Registry and Passport Office, Governor’s Office and Deputy Governor’s Office.
“The team was guided by Government’s policy, not just as it relates to Jamaican nationals but visas in general. We were also guided by a sense of fair play and fairness to all involved,” she said.
Members of the team met recently with the executive of the BVI’s Association of Jamiacan Residents to discuss the implementation plan.
Romney-Varlack said that persons who have plans to travel during April, May, or June are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that their travel plans are not affected. She also asked for the public’s cooperation during the implementation of the new policy.
“Initially we will probably have some growing pains, but with the full cooperation of all, we can get over this hurdle smoothly and fairly,” she said.
Government announced in January that the BVI would implement a visa regime for Jamaican nationals. |
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