PICTURED ABOVE Visitors in Barbados enjoying some tasty coconut water from a street coconut vendor.

 SEP 23, 2021

Barbados’ 12-Month Welcome Stamp Programme as at August 31, 2021, has received 2,953 applications, and of those applications 1,987 were approved. 

According to the data, the top five leading countries seeking entry under the programme are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria and Ireland.

From the applications received, 65 per cent were from individuals and 35 per cent from families.  A further breakdown of the statistics revealed that 61 per cent of the applicants are male, while 39 per cent are females.

The recent statistics were compiled by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. 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, and attract a new type of visitor. The programme also seeks to fill the gap left by decreased tourist arrivals, and to generate foreign exchange.

In July, 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 those persons who have been here for the past year. 

Over eight million dollars in fees has been generated via the programme.

SHEENA FORDE-CRAIGG — BGIS