By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#AntiguaandBarbuda, January 15, 2023 – CARICOM and Dominican Republic nationals currently employed in Antigua and Barbuda will no longer require a work permit.  The announcement was made by the government of the twin island on Saturday, January 7, detailing the provisions of the new policy.

“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, consistent with its obligations under Articles 45 and 46,  clauses 2 (iii) and 3 of the CARICOM Treaty, has decided to eliminate the requirement for work permits for nationals of CARICOM Community countries who are gainfully employed in Antigua and Barbuda, effective January 1st, 2023.

“The Government has also decided that, in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the economic integration of the Caribbean region, the elimination of work permits for persons who are gainfully employed, will be extended to people from the Dominican Republic,” the government said.

Adding: “In combination with an earlier Government decision to waive all unpaid work permit fees, which were due up to 31st December 2022, this means that all nationals of CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic who are now in Antigua and Barbuda and are gainfully employed will not be required to pay for a work permit,” the statement read.

According to the government, the decisions are an “acknowledgement of (i) the role that our Caribbean brothers and sisters have played, alongside native Antiguans and Barbudans, in the development of our country; and (ii) the need for labour as our economy expands.”

The announcement, which was made during the height of the election period, came just days after the leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell, announced that his party would implement a similar policy if elected into office.