The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to advance an extensive package of legislative reforms when Parliament convenes on Monday, June 16, with Cabinet describing the measures as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework, improving public safety, modernizing governance, enhancing healthcare oversight, and expanding international cooperation.

During its latest meeting, Cabinet welcomed the broad legislative agenda set for consideration in the House of Representatives, noting that the proposed laws form part of the Government’s ongoing effort to ensure Antigua and Barbuda’s legal and regulatory systems remain responsive to modern challenges and opportunities.

Among the bills scheduled for their first reading are the Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026; the Theft Bill, 2026; the Voluntary Bill of Indictment Bill, 2026; the Plea Negotiations and Agreement Bill, 2026; the Cannabis (Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Workplace Violence and Harassment (Prevention) Bill, 2026; the Mental Health Bill, 2026; and the Medical Laboratories Bill, 2026.

Cabinet noted that these measures seek to modernize various aspects of the justice system, strengthen protections for workers, improve healthcare regulation, and address evolving social and legal issues affecting the country.

The Government also highlighted progress on several pieces of legislation moving through the second and third reading stages. These include the Fatal Accidents Bill, the Magistrates Code of Procedure (Amendment) Bill, the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, the Voluntary Bill of Indictment Bill, and the Plea Negotiations and Agreement Bill.

According to Cabinet, these reforms are expected to improve the administration of justice, provide stronger protections for citizens, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal system.

Border security and immigration management are also among the priorities being addressed through the legislative programme. Cabinet noted the advancement of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill and the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, both of which are designed to strengthen the country’s ability to manage migration, enhance border security, and align national systems with international standards.

In addition to domestic legislation, Parliament is expected to consider several international agreements and treaty-related resolutions aimed at strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic and international partnerships.

These include agreements providing for mutual visa exemptions and enhanced travel facilitation between Antigua and Barbuda and the countries of Kenya, Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, and the United Arab Emirates for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Cabinet said the agreements are expected to deepen diplomatic relations, support business and tourism exchanges, and advance the country’s foreign policy objectives.

The Government will also move to ratify amendments to the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to international labour standards and global cooperation on employment-related matters.

Additionally, Parliament is expected to ratify amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, further strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the international aviation sector and supporting ongoing efforts to maintain compliance with global aviation standards.

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a modern and progressive legislative agenda, emphasizing that the proposed reforms are intended to support economic growth, promote social justice, enhance public safety, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to the continued development of Antigua and Barbuda.

Government officials described the upcoming parliamentary sitting as one of the most significant legislative sessions of the year, with reforms spanning justice, healthcare, workplace protections, border security, international relations, and governance.