CARICOM reports progress in free movement regime after first year
Key Points(5)
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) says 939 nationals have been processed under a free movement arrangement involving four member states during its first year of operation.
- The Free Movement Regime under Enhanced Cooperation began on Oct.
- 1, 2025, among Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- It allows nationals of the participating countries to enter and remain indefinitely, work without a work permit and access specified services under national arrangements.
- According to implementation reports from the four countries, the regime is operational and has supported increased mobility, employment and access to specified services.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) says 939 nationals have been processed under a free movement arrangement involving four member states during its first year of operation.
The Free Movement Regime under Enhanced Cooperation began on Oct. 1, 2025, among Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It allows nationals of the participating countries to enter and remain indefinitely, work without a work permit and access specified services under national arrangements.
According to implementation reports from the four countries, the regime is operational and has supported increased mobility, employment and access to specified services.
Barbados processed 918 applications between Oct. 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. CARICOM said implementation there has generally proceeded smoothly, with support from inter-agency coordination and public-information activities.
Belize granted free movement status to 146 beneficiaries, nine of whom subsequently registered with the Social Security Board.
Dominica processed five applications, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines facilitated seven applications.
CARICOM said the total of 939 people processed includes some nationals who were already residing in the participating countries before the free movement regime took effect.
The reports also identified areas that require further attention, including registration, data collection and management, monitoring and reporting, public awareness and stakeholder sensitization.
“The experience of these four participating Member States demonstrates that Free Movement works,” said Ambassador Wayne McCook, assistant secretary-general for CARICOM Single Market and Trade.
McCook said the progress and lessons from the four countries could help guide other CARICOM member states preparing to join the free movement regime under Enhanced Cooperation.
He said CARICOM remains committed to making the regime accessible and predictable as implementation enters its second year.
