The Bahamas extended stay visa programme
The Bahamas Economic Recovery Committee (ERC) announced that the Cabinet has approved its recommendation for the introduction of The Bahamas Extended Stay Visa Programme for persons wishing to work or study from The Bahamas for a year.
“The Extended Stay Visa Programme is a remodelling of the current annual residence regime, to expand its qualifying criteria and to make it easier and faster for persons to get consideration and approval”, noted Kenwood Kerr, co-chair of the ERC.
Extended Stay Visa Programme
Under the revamped programme, persons from abroad will be able to apply for a visa online and be granted permission to live in The Bahamas for remote work or study purposes for one year. Persons will not be able to be engaged in work locally while resident in The Bahamas.
The initiative will be marketed to small firms who may want to shift operations for the full year. It will also target university students – a segment not highlighted in other similar initiatives. Successful applicants will have to demonstrate financial means to support themselves while in The Bahamas.
In response to COVID-19, ERC saw an opportunity to re-model the current visa programme. The expansion mainly targets to accommodate university students whose schools will be offering remote learning for the upcoming academic year.
Programme details are being finalized as the ERC works hand in hand with key stakeholders and public agencies to ensure a seamless and rapid response application process.
“If we get to 1,000 successful applicants and they spend $30,000 on average within the economy on rent, food, and entertainment, that is equal to a much needed $30 million injection into the economy. Moreover, our marketing will showcase our Family Islands where the potential impact on those smaller island economies will be even more pronounced,” said Kenwood Kerr.
The ERC continues its work toward its planned September completion of its full set of recommendations.
Marlon Johnson, co-chair of the ERC, said that the first set of recommendations were relayed by Prime Minister during the budget exercise in June in the hopes to significantly contribute to the Government’s plans for robust and sustainable economic growth.
“It will also submit an interim report by the Orange Economy Subcommittee, with recommendations on how the Government can boost the viability of the creative and cultural arts as a direct contributor to the economy,” added Johnson.
ERC expects the program launch when commercial air traffic resumes.