NASSAU, Bahamas — Foreign business professionals traveling to The Bahamas solely for meetings for a less than two-week stay will no longer require a short-term work permit, Guardian Business can confirm.

As The Bahamas looks to maintain its position as a world-class financial services centre, Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said this newest policy is part of the government’s commitment to make doing business in The Bahamas easier.

“Through consultations with the Ministry of Financial Services, we became aware of the need for clarification on certain matters relating to immigration policies and especially for those who come to The Bahamas for short-term business trips, who don’t come for any kind of compensation or remuneration,” he told reporters last week.

He noted that the Ministry of Financial Services is partnering with the Department of Immigration to ensure that there is efficient entry into The Bahamas for business meetings.

Dr Nicola Virgil-Rolle, director of financial services, pointed out that the movement of foreigners throughout The Bahamas for international business, finance and trade is expected and encouraged. She also stressed that it is the Department of Immigration’s duty to facilitate this movement in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and policies.

“The Ministry of Financial Services and the Department of Immigration are pleased to advise the public of the Immigration and Entry Procedures for short-stay (less than two weeks) business and client meetings in The Bahamas where there is no financial gain involved. With respect to entry to The Bahamas for said purposes, be informed that short-term work permits are not required,” she explained.

This is an excerpt from Caribbean News Now! as it appeared on July 9, 2013. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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