The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the decision to eliminate the requirement for work permits for nationals of CARICOM member states and nationals of the Dominican Republic.
According to a press release, the Antiguan Government decided to move forward with the measure after it was found to be consistent with Antigua and Barbuda’s obligations to the CARICOM Treaty.
The decision to include nationals of the Dominican Republic was, according to the press release, “in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the economic integration of the Caribbean Region”.
The new measure impacts persons who are gainfully employed in Antigua and Barbuda effective January 1st 2023. This, combined with a previous Government decision to waive all unpaid work permit fees that were due up to December 31st 2022, means that all CARICOM nationals and Dominican Republic Nationals who are currently gainfully employed in Antigua and Barbuda will not be required to pay for a work permit.
The announcement has come in the height of an election cycle and has sparked accusations from the opposition that the government had stolen its idea in an effort to capitalise on naturalised voters , which was presented as a publicly stated campaign promise – made by United Progressive Party leader Harold Lovell during his New Year’s Message.
Lovell has since stated that he was gratified to see the Gaston Browne led, Labour Party Government adopt another of the UPP’s plans.
Thousands of naturalised voters, many of which will be impacted by the new policy will join the wider electorate on the journey to the polls on January 18th.