The last third of the year has arrived. Just like that winter is approaching. We wonder, what on earth happened to this year? Thoughts like, ‘will we be able to celebrate Christmas in normality?’ have come to cross the minds of many of us. Although it has not been winter all year, the lockdowns and lack of social interaction due to Covid-19 have made a fair few of us feel quite cold inside.
We have pondered in constant conversations with ourselves and continually asked, where did the time go? What could we do if we had the chance to do it all over again and what decisions could we make to accommodate knew ways of living in these unprecedented times? It was about six months ago when Prime minster Boris Johnson told us he had a ‘very simple instruction’ and that was, ‘you must stay home.’
However, on a rock eight to twelve hours away by flight Mia Amor Mottley the Prime minister of barbados had something unique to tell us. She said, ‘we believe we have something very special to offer on this little rock we call Barbados. Our friendly Barbados is an ideal place to live for both singles and families’.
How amazing! Normality prospers! Off we go to Barbados we go! We give ourselves a fresh start and commence a journey on renewing our mental clarity and happy side. Enough with the moist air from the Atlantic depositing rain on our roofs and drizzles on our windows and in with some vitamin D! American, Canadians or British are some of the many vistors that travel to Barbabdos and keep coming back for more.
Barbabos Welcome Stamp Visa
It was in mid-July when the Bajan Government announced that it wanted to open up boarders to remote workers to help people during the upset and stress of our time. The Bajan Prime minister herself said in the written statement were visa application forms can be found; ‘We recognise more people are working remotely, sometimes in very stressful conditions, with little option for vacation. Our new twelve-month Barbados Welcome Stamp, is a visa that allows you to relocate and work from one of the world’s most beloved tourism destinations.’ So, its unquestionable the twelve-month Barbados visa stamp is the direction which we head in.
In a country that relies heavily on tourism to keep its economy afloat, the Bajan government has given people an opportunity to see the times of Covid through. To start with, in a country that has a population of 287000 people the country has only had seven deaths with a total of 218 cases and 195 recoveries. It is also forecasted that for many countries that saw Covid cases in their thousands that the first third of 2021 will be as restricted as 2020.
Visa Application takes 15 minutes to complete
It is with this knowledge that the Bajan government has decided not only do they want to invite working people who test negative for the virus to come to the country, they also want to make the application process as stress free as they can. The application itself shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes to fill. To make it even better, you will be guaranteed a response in 2-7days on whether your application is successful. Now, at this point you are probably thinking this all sounds to good to be true so let’s look at the reality of getting a visa like this to further your understanding on the matter.
To start off with, the requirements for a successful visa application are very low and if there is anything good, we can stress it is just that. However, any applicant must be aware that while on this type of visa you must be employed outside of Barbados so you can’t work for a company in Barbados while on your stay. You are also not tied to staying in Barbados for a whole year and can travel in and out of Barbados as suits you.
Still tempted? Should you consider taking breathes in the Caribbean’s paradise with eye blue waters, rich green palms and crayon coloured houses in a nutshell this is what you will need:
Here is a list of the requirements
- A remote working income that is expected to be £39,000 (UK) /$50,000 (USD) for the next 12 months. This is from the date of application or a business (if self-employed) that earns the equivalent amount.
- Two passport sized photographs
- Bio data page in passport/s
- Proof of relationships if you are planning on coming with family or dependants.
- Birth certificate/s
To make things easier on the mind, you only pay for your visa to Barbados once it has been approved upon arrival. So there is no risk of losing money should you decide to change your mind.
Now, once you decide that bliss is where you seek to take knew breathes, you will need to take the following with you to paradise rock;
- Passport
- Birth certificate/s
- Proof of income (Bank statements)
- £1600 for a single person visa or £ 2400 for a family bundle visa
- A Covid test on arrival or a test taken no more than 7 days before arrival to the country.
Before we forget one more thing you should know is that while working in Barbados you will not have to pay any income tax.
Want to bring your family along?
If you noticed, while reading the list of requirements there was something that stood out. Barbados is not only welcoming you it is also welcoming your family. For those who would wish to stay in the country for a considerable amount of time it is good to know that in Barbados school is compulsory for people between the ages of 5 and 16. With such a strong ethos on education the literacy rate in the country is at 98% making it one of the most top ranking in the world. Children can either attend a Government run school for a small fee or attend a private school.
So, have a think and always consider your options but also bear in mind the safety of others. If you do see yourself going to and from Barbados remember most world leaders are highly discouraging non-essential travel. Still that does not mean you cannot make Barbados your second home and keep your travelling limited to the country in the meantime. Also always remember if you can see yourself somewhere you are already halfway there.
