A report compiled by the technicians in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Immigration has been completed and is to be presented to the minister today, Friday 17th February, 2022.
That was the word of Information Minister, Melford Nicholas as he spoke during Thursday’s post-Cabinet Press Briefing.
The report examined ways in which the government could implement its election campaign pledge to do away with work permit fees for CARICOM nationals and residents from the Dominican Republic.
While Nicholas did not disclose the details of the recommendations in the report, he did indicate that it will be presented to the cabinet next Wednesday before being made public.
One of the concerns raised by the Immigration Department, according to Nicholas, concerned the protocols that will be required to accommodate Dominican Republic nationals as that country is not a full member of CARICOM.
It is expected that this issue will be addressed in the report.
Minister Nicholas also disclosed that the fate of the Cameroonians stranded in Antigua and Barbuda will be covered in the report.
“They have different security issues, different security interfaces and other methods of due diligence and that’s why we submitted this matter to them for their consideration,” he stated.
The objective, Nicholas emphasised, is to explore how the Africans who remain in Antigua and Barbuda can do so lawfully as they integrate into society.
Last week, he announced that the government was considering several scenarios regarding their continued presence in Antigua and Barbuda.
Those desirous of returning to Nigeria where they boarded their flight to Antigua and Barbuda will have the option to do so free of cost. The others who opt to remain here may be given the opportunity to integrate into society, obtain work permits and possibly residency.
