The announcement from the White House on Tuesday that the United States government will impose travel restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda citizens effective January 1, 2026, is a matter of much concern for the government.
Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the government is cognizant that many nationals travel to the United States regularly for medical, educational or for vacation, and the announcement has caught everyone by surprise.
He reported that the government will be engaging the US government at very high levels to find a solution to the problem.
“We wish to maintain our excellent relations with the United States and the government is committed to work assiduously with the Americans to come to a speedy resolution. The government sees this issue as a matter that has to be addressed urgently and we are working feverishly to do that. We have been cooperating with the US government regarding the CIP and have implemented recommendations that they have made to make the programme secure,” he reported.
According to Sir Steadroy the CIP programme operated by Antigua and Barbuda has always had a residency requirement. Recently, the government went to parliament and extended the requirement to a minimum of 30 days.
“We have been fully compliant with the recommendations from the US government and we have acted positively to implement changes they suggest to assuage their fears and concerns. It is our desire to continue to work hand-in-hand with the Americans to plug any possible loopholes that may exist in the CIP programme,” he affirmed.
Since the announcement, many nationals have been voicing concerns about how they may be affected by the restrictions.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, Prime Minister Gaston Browne gave an undertaking to take an active role in seeing that matter is resolved.
