The Government of Saint Lucia has formally endorsed a strategic migration cooperation framework with the United States through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed the Cabinet-approved agreement during his New Year’s address, presenting the arrangement as a procedural foundation for future dialogue rather than an immediate action plan.
The agreement establishes structured channels for discussing potential collaboration involving third-country nationals presently in the United States. Prime Minister Pierre explicitly clarified that the MOU creates no binding obligations for either nation and triggers no immediate transfer protocols. Official presentation slides accompanying his address reinforced that the framework does not alter existing U.S. visa policies for Saint Lucian citizens seeking American travel.
This development positions Saint Lucia as the latest Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member to formalize migration cooperation talks with Washington. The move follows similar non-binding agreements reached by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis in recent months, signaling a regional pattern of engagement with U.S. migration authorities.
Notably, despite four OECS nations signing similar agreements, only Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have faced recent U.S. visa restrictions. A December proclamation by President Donald Trump cited national security concerns related to citizenship-by-investment programs in these nations, imposing limitations on immigrant and certain nonimmigrant visas. Saint Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis remain unaffected by these specific measures.
Prime Minister Pierre contextualized the agreement within Saint Lucia’s broader foreign policy commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace,’ emphasizing diplomatic dialogue and respect for international law through CARICOM membership. No implementation timeline has been established, and U.S. officials have yet to issue public commentary regarding the arrangement.