Dominica is set to join the ranks of Caribbean nations advancing toward comprehensive free movement among member states, following the recent announcement by CARICOM. According to a press release from the Caribbean Community, four member countries—Dominica, Barbados, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—are on course to implement full free movement starting October 1, 2025.
This initiative signifies a major step towards regional integration, as these nations have collectively agreed to grant their citizens the right to enter, exit, and re-enter each other’s territories freely.
Moreover, CARICOM stated that nationals will be able to move, reside, work, and stay indefinitely in member states without the need for work or residency permits. Additionally, residents will have access to essential services, including emergency and primary healthcare, as well as primary and secondary education, within the facilities available in the host country.
The move aligns with a decision made at the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government this year, emphasizing the community’s commitment to deeper integration. Representatives from the participating countries have reportedly been actively working to put the necessary measures in place to ensure this full free movement begins smoothly on the targeted date.
This development is part of the broader framework outlined in the new Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This chapter empowers the CARICOM Heads to permit groups of at least three member states to pursue targeted integration efforts when achieving such objectives within the entire community proves to be challenging within a reasonable timeframe.
The expansion of free movement under this arrangement surpasses the provisions already available through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It specifically allows for the free movement of all CARICOM nationals from the four participating countries. Meanwhile, the remaining member states will continue to facilitate movement under existing regimes, which include skills, services, business establishment, and general travel facilitation.
When I migrated to the USA, my first son, although on file, could not travel with us to the USA because he was just over 21 yrs old. Our custom was to visit him every year. Once we asked him to join us in Antigua, spent the weekend together and Monday morning traveled to Dominica.The following year we chose Barbados. He had an early flight from Dominica to Barbados. But we would arrive in Barbados at 4 p.m. My son gave the immigration officer the address where the 5 of us will be lodging for that weekend and to travel to Dominica the following Monday morning.
Yet they took my beloved son and locked him up in a cell for 9 hours with 3 others and as our aircraft landed they released him.
That is Barbados
This is very good news for those of us that are skilled and HIGHLY qualified and sees no future in Dominica.
The present situation in Dominica is a DREAM KILLER to us Dominicans. I just hope that the other three countries do not put restriction on Dominicans trying to work and live in their country!! Because Dominica presents NO opportunities for skilled and high qualified Dominicans, this is welcome news for us.
LOL if Rastar can go Belize and Barbados and stay indefinitely, what Marn Staying Dominica for???
Sounds like More Dominicans will be leaving for greener pastures elsewhere like Belize for sure!!!
But then again who have Morney to get up and just leave DA like dat nuh???
All Man and WhoMan strap for cash and caught up in/wiff NEP!!!
So it will take a while before Man and WhoMan dem save up deir little coins to make Moves,,,
But wait for it allyou will see this Exodus in allyou lifetime!!!
interesting Dominica raw and natural resources will attract a lot of people. it offers a natural lifestyle, kudos to the Dominican government someone is thinking from outside the box . give it a chance before you criticise
I’m sorry to disappoint you, but very few people will be moving to Dominica. Of course, there will be those who will go for a weekend or 12 days as a little vacation. But there is no economic value in moving to Dominica and that is why our people are always moving out…even those diehard Labpr Party supporters who insist that Labor ka twavie.
Good for Dominica,those lazy blue UWP who do not want to work and always complaining must get out,and who want to work come to Dominica.Dominica have a big problem,in that you cannot get Dominicans to work people to work.Dominicans do not start work at 8,they arrived at work at 8 and start after 8.They work Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,they take Friday off followed by Saturday and Sunday or they off Saturday and Sunday and they do not report to work on Monday.Saturday,Sunday off Carnival Monday and Tuesday off and they take ash Wednesday.If you see them in America,they like lost sheep,tebeh.Some of them so tired they sleeping on train.They thought the grass was greener on the other side.Some of them especially UWP supporters,they living in little 10 by 12,five a floorNowhere better than Dominica.Dominica so nice,2 people husband and wife living in a 2,3 or 4 bedroom house.They got hooked living on foodstamps,soup kitchen,section 8 and handouts.Those who criticize Dominica maltwavy
@the CLOWN
Doltish. Are you high?
That’s not a UWP thing.
Illiterate.
Sad to say that Dominica will not attract the best and the brightest from the other neighbouring countries. Even the severely impoverished desperate Haitians who came here in droves most quickly exited because of the harsh economic conditions.
Four from fifteen member countries have indicated their willingness to sign this agreement. Quite an auspicious start I’m being sarcastic of course).
I am not in favour of this. Those the economies of these four countries are in an appalling state – high unemployment, high indebtedness, high inflation, high taxes, fees and licenses, high house rent, high utilities, etc.
Yes, some migrants brig well needed some but they also bring crime, diseases and their bad habits too.
@ Ibo France, always on the dark and negative side. Try making a positive contribution.
@Pointless
Any tune Starboy of Stupidity plays you dance to no matter how off key. If Roosevelt told you that he once saw an elephant flying you will readily believe him. Pathetic!
@Ibo, it’s not often that I disagree with you. This is one such time. Having lived and worked in another CARICOM country, I’ve been clamouring for this form of free movement for years. The hassle of getting work permits, or, even yet, the skills certificate, are exhausting and demotivating. I’ve flatly refused to apply for the skills certificate because I’ve always believed it’s a farce. Already, the OECS countries have free movement and none of what you’ve suggested here is happening. Gradually expanding it to the rest of CARICOM is a welcome move. I’m neither a fan, nor supporter of Skerrit. But I commend him for agreeing this move.
OMG.
Dominicas population will continue to fall, and skilled people will continue leaving in droves. The country will hardly attract anyone who has a positive outlook towards life.
MEME