The Facilitation Unit for Returning Nationals (FURN) was established on February 16th, 1996 when Cabinet approved the Charter for Returning Nationals and Overseas Nationals. The FURN was officially launched on March 8th, 1996. Government recognised that there was a need to involve Returning Nationals more fully in the development of Barbados. The Government has instituted to facilitate their resettlement and offer information and advise pertinent to resettlement. The unit was renamed the Barbados Network Programme, effective September 1st, 2010
Click Above To Read The Returning Nationals Information Booklet
THE BARBADOS NETWORK PROGRAMME
Effective September 1, 2010
Changes to the Returning Nationals Programme which will now be called the
“Barbados Network Programme.
Following are the main provisions of the Barbados Network.
1. There are now only two criteria for qualification as a Barbados
Networker, namely,
a. be a citizen of Barbados by birth, descent, registration or
naturalization; and
b. be continuously resident abroad for ten (10) years immediately
prior to resettlement.
(See Page 2 of the Returning Nationals Information Booklet)
Barbados Networkers no longer have to present proof of being at least fifty (50)
years of age. Furthermore, they no longer have to provide proof of having
resided in Barbados for at least one hundred and eighty three (183) days within
a year at some time prior to emigrating.
2. After resettlement, motor vehicles must now be retained for five (5)
years. This period was three (3) years previously. (See Page 5 of the
Booklet)
3. Arrangements are being made to amend the Customs Tariff to reflect the
relevant recommendations, namely;
a. to discontinue the current administrative process in relation to the
importation of personal effects and motor vehicles for Barbados
Networkers; and
personal effects and vehicle
b. to amend Part 2B of the Customs Tariff to empower the
Comptroller of Customs, based on a letter granting the status of
Barbados Networker from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to grant
Barbados Networkers automatic exemptions from the payment of
import duty and taxes; Under this arrangement, Barbados Networkers will not be interviewed at
both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, but at
Foreign Affairs only.
c. that the value Added Tax Act CAP.87 and the Environmental Levy
Act, CAP. 70 be amended to exempt qualifying Barbados
Networkers from the payment of Value Added Tax and
Environmental Levy respectively, in qualifying household and
