Continued interest in Welcome Stamp programme

Barbados’ 12-month Welcome Stamp programme continues to attract foreign workers to the island’s shores, according to statistics compiled by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. with data received from the Immigration Department.

As of September 30, 2022, it received 3,935 applications, of which 2,493 were approved.

According to the data provided, the top five leading countries whose citizens are seeking entry under the programme, which was introduced in July 2020 by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria and India.

Of the applications received, 64 per cent were from individuals and 36 per cent from families. A further breakdown of the statistics revealed that 63 per cent of the applicants were male, and 37 per cent were female.

Those applying under the programme have occupations in fields such as: Information Technology; Health Science; Marketing, Sales and Services; Business Management and Administration; Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications, and Education and Training.

In July 2021, the Senate passed the Remote Employment Amendment Bill, 2021, which allowed for the extension of the existing legislation governing the Welcome Stamp.

The Remote Employment Act 2020-2023 allows for the programme to be renewed, fees to be paid, and for the renewal of the stamp itself for those persons who have been resident in Barbados for a year.

The Welcome Stamp Programme seeks to assist in diversifying the island’s tourism product, attract a new type of visitor, and generate foreign exchange. (BT/BGIS)