'$2,500 is nothing to pay for Belongership'
Claude Skelton Cline has publicly defended the recently increased Belonger certificate fee, saying $2,500 is a modest price for the rights and privileges Belongership confers. The fee changes, enacted in late June and effective Oct. 1, remain under review by Premier Natalio Wheatley amid public concern, but Cline urged transparency rather than rescinding the increases.
Regulations that overhaul immigration fees were enacted on June 27, 2025 and took effect on October 1, 2025, introducing a new schedule of charges for Belonger and residence applications, according to government notices and reporting by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) and Jahphix Television (JTV).
Under the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, the updated fee structure includes a $250 processing fee for Application for Residence and Belonger Status and a $2,500 grant fee for Belonger certificates (up from $500). The Certificate of Residence grant fee rose to $1,500 (from $300).
Residence applications carry a $250 processing fee, identity cards for Belonger or Residence holders increased from $10 to $50, and off-hours and off-site clearances for private vessels and aircraft were standardized between $500 and $2,000. The regulations also lifted several other permit and appeal fees, which the Department of Immigration says are intended to support its operations.
The schedule went into effect on Oct. 1 and immediately drew public attention and criticism over the steep increases. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon. Wheatley told reporters on Oct. 3 that the fees were under review. "I'm going to review that with members of the Cabinet and members of my caucus.
We will review the fees," he said, acknowledging representations already received and leaving open the possibility of revisions, as reported by JTV and VINO. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Claude Skelton Cline addressed the controversy during his Honestly Speaking programme on ZBVI 780 AM, defending the new costs and urging residents not to push government into reversing the changes.
VINO quoted Cline saying the fees "have been the same for at least two decades" and that increases were long overdue. He argued the $2,500 grant fee is "minuscule" compared with the advantages of Belonger status — relief from some labour and immigration controls, the right to purchase land and the ability to hold trade licences. "Now it's time to get your Belongership... you cannot be complaining about $2,500," he said, adding later, "$2,500 is nothing to pay for Belongership." Cline also voiced impatience with talk of a review, telling government — in remarks reported by VINO — to "go sit down" and not be swayed by critics, while urging clear, honest communication about costs and eligibility so residents can plan.
JTV's earlier coverage recorded similar calls for transparency and noted his admonition that if officials discover errors they should correct them openly rather than backtrack on policy because of public pressure. Supporters say the new charges bring the Territory more in line with regional practice — with some British Overseas Territories levying much larger fees — while critics warn of the impact on lower-income residents seeking status.
For now, residents awaiting decisions or planning applications should watch for further guidance from the Department of Immigration and any Cabinet announcements that may follow Premier Wheatley's review. The original report drew on coverage by Jahphix Television and Virgin Islands News Online.
Primary source: JTV