The Labour Department of Antigua and Barbuda has formally published a clear timeline of cut-off dates for work permit-related applications and associated fee payments, as the agency prepares for a scheduled temporary suspension of select administrative services in the final days of 2026. The official public notice, released by the Office of the Labour Commissioner on Monday, October 26, lays out two distinct sets of deadlines to prevent disruptions for foreign workers, local employers, and applicants seeking CARICOM Skills certification ahead of the year-end service pause. The department confirmed that the absolute last day to submit all 2026 work permit applications will be December 11, 2026, with the application intake portal reopening for all new submissions on January 4, 2027. For all fee-related transactions, the final operating day for the department’s cashier services has been set as December 30, 2026. This cut-off applies to all outstanding payments for pending work permit applications, annual work permit renewal fees, new CARICOM Skills Certificate submissions, and verification fees for existing CARICOM Skills credentials. The Labour Department emphasized that every other core public service it delivers will remain fully operational throughout the end-of-year transition period, with no interruptions to routine inquiries, dispute resolution support, or labour standards enforcement work. To address any questions from members of the public, employers, or regional workers navigating the 2026 deadlines, the department has published two dedicated contact lines: 462-9200 and 462-9202, which will remain staffed during regular business hours to provide additional guidance.
Antigua and Barbuda Labour Department announces December deadlines for work permit applications and payments
