Certain OECS countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, might face US VISA restrictions due to CIP (file photo)
The US Embassy has remained tight-lipped regarding circulating media reports suggesting that Antigua and Barbuda, along with several other nations, may face new visa restrictions linked to their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs.
Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared insights from recent discussions with US officials.
According to Pilgrim, the Embassy refrained from confirming or denying the rumors, stating simply, “They will get back to us.”
Meanwhile, Charmaine Donovan, CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, reassured the public that the Antigua and Barbuda government had not received any formal notification from the US about alterations to the visa requirements for its citizens.
She emphasized that the nation’s stance remains clear: individuals from countries previously blacklisted by the US, such as North Korea and Iran, cannot acquire CIP passports.
Furthermore, all Antigua and Barbuda passport holders are required to obtain a visa for entry into the United States, which the government claims allows for adequate vetting of individuals before they arrive in the country.
The discussion around CBI programs extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda, as several Caribbean nations have consistently defended their initiatives as legitimate development strategies, highlighting their robust due diligence and security measures.
They know well it’s true. They will soon make their policy binding. Who wants ro go to the US anyhow? They make us believe things are better there. Most Caribbean people catching hell in the United States of America
and that’s a fact we are now more than ever bring treated like immigrants which we are
Do you think Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme should be reformed in light of global scrutiny? Why or why not?
They wouldn’t confirm or deny they will just hit us with it when they ready.