The Cabinet has approved an immigration amnesty for eligible non-nationals currently residing in Antigua and Barbuda, a move aimed at easing labour shortages and allowing affected individuals to regularise their immigration status.
The decision was taken at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who opened discussions with an update on the state of the economy and what was described as the strong performance of the jobs market.
According to Director of Communications Maurice Merchant, the amnesty is intended to support key sectors experiencing labour gaps, while providing relief to non-nationals who have fallen out of immigration status primarily due to financial difficulties rather than deliberate non-compliance.
The initiative will allow qualifying individuals to bring their status back into good standing without penalties, enabling them to live and work legally and contribute more fully to national development.
Cabinet also noted that the measure is expected to assist employers by expanding the available labour pool at a time of increased economic activity and rising demand for workers.
Further details, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, the start date, and the duration of the amnesty, are expected to be presented at Cabinet’s next sitting by Immigration Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin and officials from the Department of Immigration.
Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to immigration policies that are fair, humane, and practical, while balancing national interests with social and economic realities.
So is one set of people it targeting? cause like is construction workers they looking for
I’m all for compassion, but government must also enforce the law after the amnesty ends.
Im.not feeling comfortable with this amnesty.
There are so much unemployed natives born Antiguans and Barbudans. How can there been shortage of laborers? Every year ABICE graduates students from the building tech studies like plumbing, electrical, carpenters, concrete block-layers, steel benders, etc… A lot of those students are still employed, some may get temporary employment on and off; however, they are looking permanent employment.
The government just wants to give the refugees or deportees amnesty so they can become citizens and vote in the next general election.
This rewards illegal behavior. Plain and simple. Government always finds solutions for everyone except its own people.”