Gov’t Approves Immigration Amnesty to Address Labour Shortages
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.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/23/govt-approves-immigration-amnesty-to-address-labour-shortages. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (11)
Juju Bee January 23, 2026, 3:43 PM
Concerned Antiguan January 23, 2026, 5:43 PM
Jahma January 23, 2026, 8:18 PM
Donna January 23, 2026, 7:48 PM
Donna January 23, 2026, 7:50 PM
Antiguan January 24, 2026, 8:34 AM
Amnesty again !!!!
Gaston brown this getting over bearing now.
It’s every election cycle you give these people Amnesty!!!!
Informed citizen January 23, 2026, 10:47 PM
Antiguan January 24, 2026, 8:35 AM
Much January 24, 2026, 4:02 PM
Tromos January 25, 2026, 11:34 AM
jani January 26, 2026, 11:44 AM