The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a three-month immigration amnesty starting April 2 for undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for at least four years. The initiative is part of proposed amendments to immigration legislation expected to be debated in Parliament later this month.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant told reporters: “They also agreed that the amnesty itself will start on the 2nd of April and will run for three months,” adding that it will apply to individuals who have been residing in Antigua and Barbuda for four years or more without legal status. On the four-year requirement, he said: “They think it’s adequate,” noting that most likely applicants have already lived in the country that long.
Merchant also explained the documentation and cost requirements: “They also agreed on a police record dating back two years from their country of origin,” and confirmed that the government has reduced the application fee: “The original bill recommended an EC$500 processing fee,” now lowered to EC$250 (approximately US$0.37 per EC dollar).
Under the plan, the Chief Immigration Officer will review and approve applications submitted during the amnesty. Parliament is set to consider the Immigration Amendment Bill on April 23.
