A recent U.S. report has shed light on the precarious conditions faced by foreign workers in Antigua and Barbuda, particularly those associated with Chinese and Cuban government-affiliated programs. The 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, released by the U.S. State Department, underscores ongoing vulnerabilities despite the country’s placement on the Tier 2 watch list for human trafficking. While the government has intensified efforts to combat exploitation, significant gaps remain in safeguarding foreign laborers. The report highlights that approximately 72 Cuban medical professionals working in the country under a state-to-state agreement may be subjected to forced labor conditions imposed by the Cuban regime. Similarly, Chinese nationals employed in construction projects linked to state-affiliated programs are at risk of exploitation. Authorities have initiated contract reviews to ensure Cuban workers receive their full wages, but oversight of Chinese-affiliated projects remains insufficient. Despite implementing a 2025 National Action Plan and conducting anti-trafficking training, the government has yet to secure any trafficking convictions. Systemic issues such as weak investigative capacity, inadequate witness protection, and legal corruption perpetuate an environment of impunity. Although nearly $99,000 was allocated to anti-trafficking initiatives, including multilingual media campaigns, observers argue that systemic failures continue to leave foreign workers exposed to abuse.
U.S. Trafficking Report Flags Risks for Cuban and Chinese Workers in Antigua
