Oct. 8 (UPI) — Citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now live, work and travel indefinitely among these countries without a visa or work permit under a free movement agreement in effect within the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, which includes 15 member states.
The pact allows nationals of the four states to settle permanently in any of them with access to basic public services, such as education and primary health care.
The initiative falls under the “enhanced cooperation” mechanism provided for in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which allows groups of member states to advance integration even if not all members of the bloc participate.
According to CARICOM, the system provides a digital registry or indefinite-stay stamp upon entry to any of the four countries, along with unified security and public health procedures coordinated with the Regional Implementation Agency for Crime and Security.
Barbados’ Foreign Ministry said the new system removes the requirement to present professional skills certificates, a rule that had previously limited free movement to qualified workers.
On its official website, the government said citizens will be able to move for a “legitimate purpose” and will have the right to receive emergency medical care, enroll in the education system and join local social security programs.
Barbados’ ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, said the agreement “not only facilitates employment, but also strengthens our shared Caribbean identity and advances the goal of a single market and a single economy across the Caribbean.”
Analysts cited by regional media warned that the challenge will be the countries’ ability to absorb new residents without overburdening public services.
The Caribbean bloc considers the measure a key step toward deepening regional integration and creating job opportunities within the Caribbean as an alternative to migration to North America and Europe. Other member states are expected to consider joining the system in the coming months.
