Work Permit Renewals Require Entry Permit Form
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development has introduced an immediate requirement that all work permit renewal applications submitted through the Labour Management System (LMS) include a copy of the applicant’s existing Immigration Entry Permit Form. Employers and employees must also upload a passport photo, passport bio-data page, and the immigration stamp page to avoid processing delays.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Department of Labour and Workforce Development has announced an immediate change to the work permit renewal process requiring applicants to include an existing Immigration Entry Permit Form with all renewal applications filed through the Labour Management System (LMS).
The new requirement applies to both employers and employees submitting renewal applications and is intended to ensure that all necessary documentation is provided at the time of submission, reducing back-and-forth requests and potential delays. Applicants must upload the following documents with their renewal applications: A copy of the applicant’s existing Immigration Entry Permit Form A recent digital passport-sized photograph A clear copy of the passport bio-data page A clear copy of the Immigration Stamp in the applicant’s passport The department is urging applicants to ensure that all forms are completed in full and that supporting documents are clear and legible before submission.
Officials warned that failure to provide the required documentation could result in delays in processing work permit renewals, which may affect workers and employers in sectors reliant on foreign labour such as tourism, construction, yachting and professional services. For employers, the change means HR managers and business owners should review their internal renewal workflows and ensure staff responsible for permit administration are aware of the new upload requirements.
Employers who routinely handle renewals can reduce disruption by preparing scanned documents and photos in advance and checking LMS upload limits and file formats. The department said the updated requirement takes immediate effect and thanked employers, employees and the wider public for their cooperation.
While the change focuses on renewals, applicants planning to apply for new work permits should continue to follow existing guidance issued by Immigration and Labour authorities. Residents and businesses with questions about the revised process are advised to contact the Department of Labour and Workforce Development or consult the LMS help resources.
Ensuring complete and legible documentation at the point of submission will help speed processing times and limit the need for repeated document requests from government officials.
Primary source: Guavaberry