Government to Pay Outstanding Wages to Public Sector Workers Affected by COVID-19

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​The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has given approval for the payment of wages and salaries owed to public sector employees whose income was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering long-awaited relief to workers impacted by emergency measures implemented at the height of the crisis.

According to an official announcement issued on Friday, Permanent Secretaries in all ministries have been instructed to identify, compile and verify claims from eligible employees whose remuneration was discontinued or disrupted during the pandemic period.

Affected workers are required to submit their claims to the Permanent Secretary in their respective ministry by December 31, 2025. Government officials say the deadline is necessary to allow sufficient time for verification and administrative processing.

Once claims have been reviewed and confirmed, the supporting documentation will be forwarded to the Treasury Department, with payments expected to begin in January 2026.

​The government said the decision reflects its commitment to restoring financial stability to public sector employees who were affected by pandemic-related mandates, including unpaid leave, reduced work hours and temporary suspension of salaries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda, like many countries, implemented strict public health measures that resulted in economic disruptions across both the public and private sectors. While several forms of assistance were introduced during that period, some public servants continued to seek compensation for lost earnings.

Officials have urged eligible employees to submit their claims by the stipulated deadline to avoid delays in payment processing. The announcement is expected to be welcomed by public sector workers and unions, who have repeatedly raised concerns about unresolved wage issues stemming from the pandemic.