The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reported progress in its free movement initiative, with 939 people processed during the scheme’s first year.
The arrangement allows nationals of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enter participating countries, remain indefinitely, and work without a work permit, subject to the applicable national arrangements.
Barbados accounted for 918 applications, while Belize granted free movement status to 146 beneficiaries. Dominica processed five applications, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines facilitated seven. These figures reflect different administrative measures and should not be interpreted as a count of unique new arrivals.
CARICOM officials say the initiative is an important step towards regional integration. However, improvements in public awareness, registration and data management are still needed.
The organisation hopes that the experiences of these four countries will help other member states prepare for future participation in the initiative.
