In a significant policy reversal, the Commonwealth of Dominica is moving toward eliminating visa requirements for citizens of the Dominican Republic. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced the forthcoming immigration reform during a New Year’s media briefing, framing the decision as both a moral imperative and a strategic alignment with regional solidarity principles.
Skerrit, who has consistently opposed existing travel restrictions, articulated his vision for a more open immigration framework that reflects Caribbean unity. ‘Our current visa policy contradicts our own advocacy for visa-free access internationally,’ Skerrit stated, emphasizing that fairness must govern regional travel agreements.
The Prime Minister further indicated that similar considerations might extend to Haitian nationals, condemning what he characterized as persistent prejudice against Haiti’s population. ‘We cannot collectively stigmatize an entire nation based on criminal activities by a minority,’ Skerrit asserted, referencing Haiti’s historic contribution to the abolition of slavery and suggesting Caribbean nations bear moral responsibility toward their neighbor.
While no implementation timeline has been formally established, Skerrit’s statements signal a comprehensive reevaluation of Dominica’s visa architecture and regional mobility policies. The proposed changes would mark one of the most substantial immigration relaxations in recent Eastern Caribbean diplomatic relations.