Immigration Launches Saturday Appointment Service — Permit
The Department of Immigration has launched weekly Saturday appointments, effective 1 November 2025, to give residents and visitors weekend access to key services, the department said in a press release. The service, confirmed by JTV and detailed further by Guavaberry, will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Processing Unit and will include extensions to entry and landing permits for workers, dependents and visitors.
The Department of Immigration announced the introduction of Saturday appointment services, effective 1 November 2025, to improve accessibility for residents and visitors, the BVI Government said in its press release. The new weekend service will run weekly on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will be available strictly by appointment at the department’s Processing Unit, the release said.
JTV also reported on the launch, confirming that residents and visitors now have weekend access to immigration services as part of efforts to make operations more convenient and responsive to public needs. Appointments must be scheduled in advance through the Department of Immigration.
Customers are reminded to arrive on time with all required documents and applicable fees to avoid delays, the department advised. The department provided contact numbers — 284-494-4700, 284-494-4703 and 284-494-4705 — and directs users to appointments.gov.vg for online bookings (BVI Government).
For broader government enquiries or to book appointments with multiple departments, the Government’s central line is 1 (284) 468-3701 and WhatsApp is 1 (284) 468-9760; international media enquiries may be sent to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com (BVI Government). A follow-up report by Guavaberry adds practical detail on the services available during the Saturday hours: specific services will include extensions to entry permits for workers and their dependents, and extensions to landing permits for visitors.
These targeted services are likely to be especially useful to employers, seasonal workers and staff in hospitality who may be off-island or otherwise unavailable during weekdays (Guavaberry). Acting Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge said the change responds to the schedules of residents and workers who travel between islands or work in sectors that keep them away from the mainland during the week. “We understand that many of our clients have demanding schedules and work in industries that require them to be away from the mainland during the week.
By offering Saturday appointments, we aim to make it easier for residents and visitors to access our services in a way that fits their needs,” she said (BVI Government; JTV). Saturday services will be limited to the Processing Unit only, the department emphasised. Customers should plan ahead and book early to secure an appointment, bringing complete documentation and applicable fees to help avoid delays and ensure services are processed smoothly (BVI Government; Guavaberry).
The department framed the Saturday service as part of a wider drive to modernise operations. Planned and ongoing measures include streamlining internal processes, expanding digital service options, and strengthening staff training to deliver faster, more reliable and customer-focused interactions.
The addition of weekend hours is presented as an immediate step toward those longer-term improvements (BVI Government). Residents, employers and businesses that rely on immigration services are encouraged to use the new Saturday option where appropriate and to check the department’s website or contact the numbers provided for up-to-date information on documentation requirements and appointment availability (BVI Government; JTV; Guavaberry).
Primary source: BVI Government