New citizens for British Virgin Islands

The Caribbean officially recognised the latest batch of British citizens in a ceremony headed by the Registrar General in the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is classified as British overseas territory (BOT), located east of Puerto Rico. Following the British Overseas Territories Act in 2002, citizenship was extended to all BOT citizens. Those people who were naturalized as BOT citizens immediately after the enactment are not automatically classified as British but are eligible to register.

And so it was for the seven new citizens who can now benefit from applying for a British passport. Obtaining such a passport would allow EU residential and working rights and entry into the US under the joint Visa-Waiver programme. The new citizens were congratulated offered best wishes by territory Governor David Pearey. Mr Pearey also stressed the seriousness with which citizenship is taken by the Home Office. In his address the Governor stated that the UK required not just a connection and commitment to Britain but an understanding of language and history, pointing out the unique historical ties between the Virgin Islands and the UK.

The seven newcomers were also taken through their rights as British citizens which in addition to the right to residency include freedom to travel to the UK without prior permission for leisure, work or study purposes.

Those wishing to apply for a British passport must do so via the Washington office to maintain the Home Office’s commitment to  a high level of customer service and international security.