11 months ago
Four Caribbean Nations Implement Free Movement Agreement
Four Caribbean countries are letting their citizens move to each other's countries more freely.
This means people from Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now move without needing visas or work permits.
Before, people could only move freely for work.
Now, they can move for any reason, like leisure.
This makes it easier for families to access things like healthcare and school in their new home.
The governments are also setting up systems to make sure people are registered for services and to keep out criminals.
Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a free movement agreement.
The agreement allows citizens to relocate without visas or work permits.
Authorities will stamp passports or create digital records for travelers.
Measures are in place for registering for education, healthcare, and other services.
The agreement builds upon a prior arrangement that allowed free movement for economic purposes.
- Who
- Citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- What
- Free movement without visas or work permits
- Where
- Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- When
- Agreement went into effect on October 1
- Why
- To facilitate relocation for leisure and broader access to services like healthcare and education.
Key facts
- Participating Countries
- Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Agreement Date
- October 1
- Initiating Organization
- Caricom
- Prior Arrangement
- Free movement for economic purposes only
Quotes
Mia Mottley
Barbados Prime Minister
“Any government may refuse entry to a person who poses a genuine threat to national security”
CNBC TV 18
Ralph Gonsalves
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister
“If you can move for work, but your spouse or children cannot access education or health care, the right is hollow”
CNBC TV 18
