immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Dear All,

I thought I should share this with you as this is a positive story... :)

I went to the Immigration for the first time back in February. Asked for a 3 month extension, as my hubby's work permit wasn't sorted at that point (so didn't even dream of asking for something longer than that). I waited and waited... Lost any hope...

Then, one beautiful sunny day in July I got a phone call - my visa was ready! Off I went to leave my passport with them the following day. I waited for about a week, gave them a call - my passport was ready for collection! I went there again - everything sorted - almost perfect. 'Almost' as it was the 30th of July and the extension was only granted until the 30th.
Did I complain? No, not at all. Remember - I only asked for 3 months, but got 5!!!

I needed another extension until 15th August (which is when I'm leaving Barbados for a few months). Went there again the following morning with my ticket, my photos, etc. I applied, paid, left my passport, collected it today - with the extension stamp in!

To make things even more cheerful - each time I was served by people who were smiling. The cashier thanked me for my patience; the lady in booth whatever made jokes about airlines and pregnancies.

Also - a piece of advice - the first 2 times I went, I arrived around 7.30 in the morning. Why??? Why was I advised to do so, it's a complete waste of time - you end up waiting outside in whatever weather conditions, can't sit down, and the people around keep pushing. Then you end up upstairs and there is another queue to face.

The other 3 times I arrived at the Immigration at 9.10, 9.30 and 9.50 respectively. Each time there were no more than 9 people in front of me - no tickets needed, just queue up for about 15 minutes and speak to the person at the front desk; then wait for another 10-30 minutes and go to booth whatever.

Was I just lucky?
:rofl:

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

I'm sorry.. I nearly fell off my chair laughing when I got to the part about the extension being until the 30th of July and that was when you went to collect the passport.

My husband had a situation recently with getting his passport renewed. he doesn't get upset easily (unlike his lovely wife..hahaha). he went about mid morning.. got through in ok time.. was told one thing but the person he had to see about the passport and then something different by the girl who took his money to pay. he was told to collect his new passport the day before we were to leave the island, but he went about a week before.. and it was ready.. yeah!!..

I'm guessing ... sometimes you get lucky sometimes you don't.. that's just the way it is...

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Hi guys,

thought you'd like to know, my daughter received her Barbadian citizenship yesterday:thumbsup: It took 15 months from the day we had our interview.

It's going to take longer for me as I am not a direct decent of a Bajan national, I'm only his wife of 21 years! Not grumbling tho', it will happen when it happens.

Have a good day y'all.

L

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Great news Lindi.. and not to worry.. by law you are entitled to citizenship by marriage.. it just may take time..

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

I think it's worth noting that immigration in Barbados is a complete lottery. I got residency very quickly (well, I considered 3 or 4 months very quick after reading all the horror stories, anyway). I think it was made much easier because I'm in a position to support my family for a long time without working, and still have income from the UK, and therefore wasn't asking for a work permit. I'm sure if it wasn't for being prepared with lots of bank statements etc., then asking for residency would be one of the slowest applications to be processed..... So it's all very unpredictable.

I just thought I'd chip in so people don't feel discouraged - if you're making an application within the guidelines of immigration here, then you will be able to come in time. And if you're lucky, it might be quicker than expected!

I think there's lots of negativity bred on this board and others for 2 reasons - 1. most people need a work permit, and they just need to accept that they will take a long time, and 2. frankly, I think there's a number of people who want to come here who aren't very attractive prospects to immigration. Why would they give permission to someone to come here to look for work as a secretary or whatever, they're simply not needed. Harsh but true, and I think that breeds a FALSE view of immigration. If you fit the criteria, you can and will come here - so for the genuine people making genuine applications, don't be discouraged!

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

I would just say that your are only presenting one side of the immigration picture. You must absolutely keep in mind that the previous administration had been in for 15 years and let many things go by the wayside, including a balanced immigration policy.

My experience as (1) being married to a Bajan and (2) with an in-demand skill was absolutely dreadful. I can honestly tell you that I almost gave up pursuing coming here on many occasions.

In my opinion, as harsh as it may seem, it truly sends the wrong message to the average Barbadian that immigration would give you residence, in a country where you have no ties, because you can among other reasons demonstrate wealth and no less that they processed it in that period of time whilst persons, and entire families, that have legitimate claims via descent, marriage etc. are made to wait for YEARS to be able to be here and fully functioning, ie. both husband and wife working, etc.

Until there is an immigration policy that addresses what is in the best interest of the future of Barbados that includes a position on citizenship, residency, work permits, etc. and places expectations on the level of service provided by the Immigration Department the perception of immigration will be negative, it will continue to be a free-for-all and it is a serious problem especially for a country with limited resources and limited space.

That's my 2 cents...

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Oh I totally agree, Zanne - I'm not saying what happened in my case was right at all, even though it worked out in my favour. Clearly everybody who has a right to be here, or offers a benefit to the island, should ideally be able to come here without all the drama, hassle and stress. Luckily for my family, we were able to avoid much of that, but I understand that others (who may arguably have greater rights to be here) have a difficult time.

I wasn't trying to be one-sided, I was just trying to present MY experiences - which were good. We talk a lot on here about the negatives, and I wasn't trying to cast doubt on those or say they don't exist because I know they do. I just believe that the situation is WORSENED by some who wish to be here who can't support themselves or try to work the system to take jobs away from Bajans - I know that that's not the full picture though, and for others their legitimate claims take an unnecessarily long time.

I just wanted to say 'don't give up hope' really, because it does work out for some of us!

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Hi Guys havent been around much as have been back in the UK finally getting my surgery - now in recovery and feeling great.

I agree with the need for a clear immigration policy that is measurable - I have a work permit renewal in the system now for nearly 9 months - I own the company and have never taken a cent from Barbados in the 4 years I have been there - In fact in building the company i have suffered losses as you do in the first few years. The business is designed to actually bring in work currently being outsourced to Europe and India. No one who knows my situation can believe that Barbados will not benefit from what i bring however no one can advise me if and when my renewal will take place.

I have been advised by very senior business men in Barbados to take the vision and business to another island such as Grenada or Guyana where it will be welcomed with open arms but my heart lies in Barbados. I am willing to stay and deliver my vision or leave and try elsewhere if only Immigration would put me out of my misery of the unknown.

Therefore I agree with both viewpoints - anyone coming to Barbados with all the best intentions and skills and bonus points to get through should prepare themselves for a battle - without the relevant requirements as discussed in this thread you maybe just dreaming so do not expect anything other than the option to try

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Dipity.. I sure you may have posted this.. (or not) but what does your company do???

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Hi Sunnie

I have not actually posted it before - I specialise in the set up and running of IT Service Desks - they are like call centres but are more IT focussed. With the revolution of Eportals across the Caricom these are about to become imperative and with the time zones of America and out of hours Europe we in Barbados are perfectly placed to support "out of hours" services from both those countries also having english as the mother tongue. The only company in the Caricom supporting these services is in Trinidad but to my knowledge im the only consultant in this field in the Caricom as they either ask me to quote for tenders or bring someone over from the UK. Im a specialist in this field in the UK with over 20 years experience and re-engineer the services including "off shoring" their global service desks to places like Europe and America. The vision is to start providing Barbados as an alternative. I recently had an option to tender for the relocation of services from the worlds largest recruitment company in UK to Barbados but as I have not been given any idea on my status and its renewal could not tender and had to take the client to Bulgaria instead.

All soo frustrating but im god driven and know everything happens for a reason - I just wish someone would tell me what it is so i can move forward - I am actually gonna do some travelling and look into Caymans and other island cos I can't wait for ever to be told go away!!

I have been strongly advised to get an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss this further but this idea is kind of daunting - I have met with other Departmental Ministers in the past but just a lot of talking takes place. Im getting battle weary so if im honest im waiting for the decision to be made for me I guess.

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Dipdiy - go for it - meet with the PM, i've heard he is very approachable - you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Sara

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

dipidy..

that is fabulous.. .. I agree.. get yourself a meeting with the PM.. here's what I would tell him. within the last 10 or so years, the number of "call centers" in Barbados has decreased because people have been moving them to Trinidad.. More cost effective was the excuse. (unfortunately) Companies like American Airlines and other airlines, who used to have reservations office (although small ones) here on the island, have moved these to Trinidad. LIME (Cable and Wireless) has just recently moved their call center to St. Lucia (and they are worthless when you try to talk to them that concerns Barbados) and the network operations center of LIME, here in Barbados, which they just renovated to the tune of tons of money is also being moved out (outsourced likely) to parts unknown... I'm sure these are not all.

There are other Data Entry, Call centre type locations in Barbados, but if you are in a position to bring more in, why shouldn't you have the ability to work here. just my opinion. I'm routing for you..

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

Hi All,

Both myself & my twin brother applied way back for our citizenship & i'm sure it only took a couple of months to process seeing as both our parents are from this beautiful Island.

I would like to agree with other's, about some of the negative feedback I sometimes read on this forum....
I for one am determined to settle in Barbados (God willing ) & find myself a job I might add
"With determination one can achieve anything" :)

How many of us would of dreamed we would ever see a Black MAN (brother Barak) as the president of USA!!!
Dipidy if you need a PA/Receptionist I'm your chick! ( I'm good with people & not afraid to talk to anyone ) ( just had to sell myself there) You just "Go 4 it"!
Why can't Barbados have call centre's or improve on what they already have...

Lastly I would like to ad, these people who work in office are after all working for us, I think the word is "Public servants" (and I don't me that in anyway derogatory) I know sometimes they often forget this- we have the same issues here in the UK...

Re: immigration - some positive thoughts...
 

ITA. well said.