The Barbados Network Programme, formerly known as the Returning National Programme application process, has been digitalised and is available online.
Persons who wish to apply under the Barbados Network Programme may now do so at https://www.foreign.gov.bb/barbados-network-programme/.
Senior Foreign Service Officer, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Consular Division, Joseph Hunte, in explaining the rationale for transitioning to an online format, said: “It was a cumbersome and paper-filled process, and I thought we could streamline it, and save ourselves a lot of paper hassle and clutter.”
Mr. Hunte noted that the transitioning process began in late 2020, which led to the design of the digital form, and it was developed to meet the changing needs of the diaspora and rationalise the operations of the Barbados Network Programme.
Foreign Service Officer II, LaToya Archer, stated that the procedure, which was once done through the completion of four application forms that were “repetitive in questions”, is now “not cumbersome”. “It’s very user friendly; it is very succinct, and it just requests what we need to get the task done,” Ms. Archer said.
She added that in working with a third party to design the online application process, the Consular Division was mindful of the persons using the site and made sure it was developed “in such a manner that everyone can utilise it”.
She noted that the process which usually took just over four weeks, could now be facilitated within a week, provided all the relevant documentation had been electronically submitted.
Ms. Archer also disclosed that the Consular Division had uploaded the form to the Ministry’s website last month, and had received 29 online applications, 20 of which had been approved.
Both Mr. Hunte and Ms. Archer stated that the programme, which originated in the 1990s, was borne out of a commitment by the Government to tangibly recognise the contributions of the diaspora in accelerating Barbados’ economic, social and cultural development, through a package of incentives designed to facilitate resettlement.
The policy was revised in September 2010, to create a platform for eligible Barbadians to benefit from duty-free concessions on their household items, personal effects and one vehicle per household at the time of resettlement.
The Barbados Network Programme was previously available to persons 50 years and over. However, through the revision of the Diaspora Resettlement Policy, persons 18 years and older can now apply.
For further information, persons may contact the Consular Section via email at bnpconsular@foreign.gov.bb, or by telephone at (246) 535-6620.