Barbados’ 12-Month Welcome Stamp Programe has received 4 211 applications, of which 2 655 were approved as at January 31, 2023.
People from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Canada, India and Ireland continue to dominate those seeking entry under the programme, according to the data received.
Of the applications received, 64 per cent were from individuals and 36 per cent from families. A Barbados Government Information Service statement said that a further breakdown of the statistics revealed that 63 per cent of the applicants are male, while 37 per cent are females.
Those applying under the programme are employed in fields such as business management and administration; information technology; finance; marketing, sales and services; arts, audio/video technology and communications, and health science.
The recent statistics were compiled by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s research department, with data received from the Barbados Immigration Department.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, back in July 2020, announced the Welcome Stamp Programme, which seeks to assist in diversifying the island’s tourism product; attract a new type of visitor, and generate foreign exchange. In July 2021, the Remote Employment Amendment Bill, 2021 was passed, which allowed for the extension of the existing legislation governing the Welcome Stamp. The Remote Employment Act 2020-2023 allows for the Welcome Stamp to be renewed, the fees to be paid, and for the renewal of the stamp itself for people who have been here for a year.
People interested in applying for the 12-month Welcome Stamp Programme may do so at https://barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/applynow/. (BGIS)