The Barbados Immigration Department (BID) has come in for high praises for several strides made in recent years, including becoming the newest member of the United Nations International Organization on Migration from November 30.
And, from as early as next month, the department will move into another phase of digital transformation that will see the introduction of a number of new measures between 2023 and 2024.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, outlined these strides and new plans during the BID’s awards ceremony and dinner at the Sea Rock Dome, Maxwell, Christ Church, recently.
He said the BID was identified as one of seven Government departments earmarked for digital transformation.
Among the initiatives credited to the department is Barbados’ first cultural passport. Designed by the BID, it is projected to be issued from January, 2023. “It is beautiful; it is an amazing passport,” the Minister said.
In addition, it is estimated that citizens will be able to submit and pay for their passport applications online later that year, while eVisa applications are still in the process of being designed, developed and operationalised.
The online processing of applications including citizenship, student visas, work permits, and extensions; the integration of the online ED form and the kiosks and an Electronic Document and Records Management System, were also identified among new initiatives on the cards for 2023/2024.
Mr. Abrahams said there were two consultancies ongoing to assess the services offered by the department and recommendations would be made to enhance its role in the protection of national security.
“It is also estimated that these consultancies will offer a pioneering plan on how to quickly adjust to emerging developments and attract high-end foreign investors,” he added.
The Minister further pointed out that the removal of barriers which delayed the processing of various applications, resulted in processing times for applications such as the immigrant status, permanent residence and citizenship being reduced from two to three years, to one month or less.
“The daily comments about the department is enough evidence to suggest that [it] has evolved, and is better equipped to enhance economic growth and assist Barbados with its overall strategic goal in relation to doing business with ease,” Mr. Abrahams stated.
Meanwhile, Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss, noted the department went through a “battle” over the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, and was still standing on excellence.
“You staff are worthy of being appreciated and rewarded. You have all done an amazing job…. We held it together, and I am a ‘proud mummy’ to see the growth of the Immigration Department,” she stressed, promising the best was yet to come.
Awardees included Eustacia McConney, who received the MVP award for her role in the functioning of the department and its “keep-going attitude”. Meanwhile, Saritta Chadderton, received the Stellar award for being the worker who makes customer care and satisfaction the priority; while Janice Robinson and Patricia Greene both received the Kenrick Hutson award for officers who were there for the department and are considered to be “iron pillars”.