In a significant diplomatic development, the Commonwealth of Dominica has formally agreed to accept non-national refugees from the United States under a carefully negotiated arrangement. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed the agreement at a press conference, revealing that his administration will accept third-party refugees who meet specific non-violence criteria.
The agreement emerges against a backdrop of recent tensions, coming less than a month after the United States imposed travel restrictions on Dominica effective January 1, 2026. This timing highlights the complex nature of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the thorough negotiations with the U.S. State Department, stating, “Our discussions included careful deliberation to ensure we avoid receiving violent individuals or those who might compromise Dominica’s national security. These concerns have been acknowledged and well received by the State Department.”
The decision, according to Skerrit, stems from Dominica’s “responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of our people, particularly their access to lawful travel, education, employment and family connections, while strengthening cooperation between our governments.”
The refugee agreement has drawn commentary from regional leaders, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who previously suggested that visa restrictions on Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda resulted from these nations “badmouthing” the United States. Persad-Bissessar cautioned Trinidad and Tobago citizens to “behave” to avoid similar restrictions.