Four-Country CARICOM Free Movement Scheme Reports 939 Processed as Antigua Maintains Separate Conditions for TCN Transfers

A free movement arrangement involving four CARICOM countries has reported 939 people processed during its first year, as Antigua and Barbuda pursues separate discussions with the United States over the possible temporary reception of third-country nationals.

Antigua and Barbuda is outside the enhanced cooperation arrangement launched on October 1, 2025, by Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The scheme allows nationals of those four countries to reside indefinitely and work in participating states without work permits, with access to specified services under national arrangements.

For Antigua and Barbuda, the regional development comes against the backdrop of the government’s insistence that any acceptance of people removed from the United States must be limited and subject to safeguards.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said in September that Washington had proposed seven third-country nationals per month, but Antigua and Barbuda countered with seven per quarter—equivalent to a maximum of 28 annually.

“We're not accepting anyone without a travel document,” Browne said, explaining that the country needed to preserve the ability to arrange their eventual departure.

In its September 28 statement, the government said no agreement had been concluded. Its counter-proposal requires individual written approval for each transfer, security and health screening, financial support and arrangements for lawful return or onward placement.

The proposed seven-person quarterly limit would be a ceiling, rather than an obligation to accept that number. Antigua and Barbuda would also retain the ability to suspend transfers because of security, public health, capacity or financial concerns.

The distinction between the initiatives is significant. The four-country CARICOM scheme facilitates movement by participating countries’ own nationals for residence and employment. Antigua and Barbuda’s TCN discussions concern people being removed from the United States whose temporary admission would require separate approval.

CARICOM’s first-anniversary update reported 918 applications processed in Barbados between October 2025 and July 2026, 146 beneficiaries granted status in Belize, five applications processed in Dominica and seven facilitated in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

However, those figures total 1,076, while the release states an overall figure of 939. The release does not explain the difference. Some beneficiaries were already resident before the arrangement began.

CARICOM also identified registration, data management, monitoring and public awareness as areas needing further attention as the scheme enters its second year.