The government of Antigua and Barbuda has committed to addressing significant immigration concerns raised by its Dominican community regarding re-entry difficulties despite holding valid permanent residency status. The issue came to light during a town hall meeting in the St. John’s Rural South constituency on Thursday evening, where residents revealed that individuals carrying official residency stamps were being subjected to additional visa requirements when returning from international travel.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin formally acknowledged the administrative and legislative shortcomings causing these disruptions. He characterized the situation as a ‘legislative flaw’ within the current system and confirmed that the Cabinet plans to establish a definitive policy to resolve the matter at its upcoming session.
In a statement addressing community fears, Benjamin emphasized, ‘Many of our friends from the Dominican Republic are apprehensive about traveling abroad, as their hard-earned residency status currently provides no guaranteed re-entry. We are committed to rectifying this injustice. Once an individual has legally acquired residency, they must be afforded the right to both work and move freely.’
The Attorney General confirmed that a considerable number of Dominican nationals have been adversely affected by these procedural inconsistencies. He provided assurances that the government would implement corrective measures to uphold the integrity of the residency system and ensure the protection of migrants’ rights, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to fair and transparent immigration practices.