January 11th 2023

CARICOM and Dominican Republic nationals exempt from work permits in Antigua and Barbuda

by DNO

CARICOM and Dominican Republic nationals will no longer require a permit to work in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Government said on Friday that consistent with its obligations under the CARICOM Treaty, it has decided to eliminate the requirement for work permits for nationals of CARICOM Community countries who are gainfully employed in Antigua and Barbuda.

That decision, according to the government, took effect on 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.

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.

These decisions are, according to the statement, an acknowledgment of the role that Caribbean brothers and sisters have played, alongside native Antiguans and Barbudans, in the development of our country; and the need for labour as our economy expands.

Meanwhile the Leader of the UPP Harold Lovell, says he is gratified to see the Browne Administration adopt another of his Party’s plans.

Lovell said in a press statement this morning that the decision is contained within the UPP’s “One Caribbean” policy, which was announced right after the New Year opened.

Lovell says this decision shows clear validation of his vision and ideas and proof that it is the UPP that is poised to take this country to an elevated level.

He says it proves, as well, that the UPP’s policies will NOT bankrupt the country, as the ALP contends since the Browne Administration already has adopted the Opposition’s proposals on fuel-price reductions and a revision of the minimum wage.

Meanwhile, the UPP says despite the ALP Government’s declaration, yesterday, that these categories of residents will be exempted from requiring work permits, the UPP has its reservations about its implementation of the policy.

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