The government has introduced a Work Permit Exemptions Policy which allows the great-grandchildren of Anguillians to seek employment on island without a work permit.
In a press conference on 13 January, the government announced the implementation of the policy, which aims to provide more people with the opportunity to legally work and contribute to the island’s economy.
Event host Shameica Hodge, principal assistant secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said many Anguillians, over the course of decades, have travelled and settled in various countries.
As a result, they are the descendants of Anguilla the world over, with a wealth of skills, knowledge and other resources waiting to be accessed, she said.
“Keeping connected to Anguillans within the diaspora is key for the continued development of our island,” Hodge added.
Aidan Harrigan, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, explained that on 7 January, the government’s Executive Council granted approval for the legal exemption.
He explained that the great-grandchildren of Anguillians will now be able to be gainfully employed while residing in Anguilla and not have to rely on others to support them.
“While this is a great opportunity, it also requires responsible behaviour by applicants in complying with the information required by the immigration and labour departments,” he said.
“It is hoped that the initiative will work as intended, and be of benefit to great-grandchildren of Anguillians.”
‘Landmark’ policy
Home affairs minister Kenneth Hodge then signed the Work Permit Exemptions Policy, before saying the “landmark” policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is aimed at strengthening family ties.
It is also fostering a connection with the Anguillian diaspora by recognising descendants of Anguillians worldwide, he said.
“It is a recognition of our historic, nomadic perseverance as Anguillans, who bravely ventured to other countries to work and provide for their families, some of whom settled abroad,” he continued.
Previously, the Constitutional Amendment Order of 2019, allowed a person to be granted Anguillian status if they were a great-grandchild of an Anguillian.
They were permitted to reside on the island, but were still required to acquire work permits in order to work.
“Many found it difficult to find employers willing to go through the work permit process to hire them,” Hodge said.
So the government consulted on the matter and decided that fully realising the objective of the policy would require that these great-grandchildren to be more freely permitted to work within the island.
He said that after taking into consideration the advice of the Attorney General’s chambers, the Executive Council granted approval for the work permit exemption.
The process
In order to be exempt from a work permit, applicants must first have their status as a great-grandchild of an Anguillian verified.
They can do that by submitting to the chief immigration officer a a letter explaining how he or she is a great-grandchild of a person born in Anguilla and who is regarded as being an Anguillian.
They must also supply the relevant documents to support the explanation given, and letters of good character from unrelated people.
In addition, they must provide a police record for Anguilla, and where possible from the country where they last lived, along with any other information the chief immigration officer considers necessary.
The applicant will then be required to submit further documents to the Labour Department to obtain the exemption certificate, which will be renewed yearly for the period of five years.
The documents include the completed application form, and a letter from immigration indicating they have verified the authenticity of the documents and that the person qualifies.
The applicant must also submit an employer letter providing job information and start date, and a police record from the country of residence dated no less than six months from the application.
And finally, a fully completed and signed medical form, certified copy of their passport, a valid tax clearance for the prospective employer, and a valid business licence if being employed by a business.
Premier Ellis Webster expressed gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the policy to fruition.
Following his remarks, a representative from the Spanish-speaking community shared their appreciation, highlighting the positive impact the policy will have on their members.
Acting chief immigration officer Brenda Proctor then concluded the meeting by giving a vote of thanks.
Watch the press conference in full below:
