A request for consideration for visa-free entry for citizens of Bangladesh has been
denied by the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet.
The matter came up for consideration at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting following
the announcement from Foreign Minister, E.P Chet Greene, that the possibility for
such arrangements was among things discussed during his visit to Bangladesh.
In the post-Cabinet Notes, it was explained that the Cabinet has agreed to provide
limited access to diplomats and delegates from Bangladesh who will be present in
Antigua and Barbuda to attend the SIDS 4 Conference. However, the Cabinet has
decided against the request for visa-free access for citizens of that country who
may wish to visit Antigua and Barbuda at other times.
In providing further elucidation to the issue, Information Minister Melford
Nicholas said the Cabinet was responding to concerns expressed by several of
Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding partners such as the Schengen region of
Europe.
“In respect of the Bangladeshis and visa requirements, the Cabinet did for a
moment consider whether or not we could facilitate persons with diplomatic status
traveling from Bangladesh and whether or not these could be accommodated and
the Cabinet deferred a decision on this matter. But for ordinary Bangladeshis, the
notion of entire visa-free access was duly considered and not approved by the
Cabinet,” he reported.
The issue of a establishing a consulate in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, however,
remains on the card according to the minister.
“A consular office in Bangladesh to be able to expand our reach in that part of the
world is consistent with our foreign policy so there’s no harm done in having the
consulate set up there,” he declared.
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