COUNTRY:  ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a diplomatic effort to convince the United States to remove the country from recently imposed visa restrictions and the U.S. Visa Bond Programme. Prime Minister Gaston Browne sent a formal request to U.S. President Donald Trump seeking a review of measures affecting Antiguan and Barbudan citizens under Presidential Proclamation 10998 and related visa policies. The country’s embassy in Washington also submitted a diplomatic note to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting an early reassessment.

Antigua and Barbuda argued that it has already introduced reforms aimed at addressing the security concerns behind the U.S. measures. The government highlighted stronger regulations for its Citizenship by Investment Programme, biometric cooperation with U.S. authorities, continued acceptance of citizens removed from the United States, and improved identity verification systems. Officials also pointed to the country’s low visa overstay rate and its cooperation with international efforts against illegal migration and organised crime.

Prime Minister Browne emphasized the long-standing relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States, including cooperation in regional security, intelligence sharing, immigration enforcement, and efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. The government believes that the reforms undertaken demonstrate its commitment to meeting U.S. requirements and hopes continued dialogue will lead to the removal of the restrictions.

Photo Source: Caribbean times