AG Steadroy Cutie Benjamin

The government says it will move to resolve concerns raised by members of the Dominican community who report difficulties re-entering Antigua and Barbuda despite holding valid permanent residency.

The issue was highlighted during a town hall meeting in St. John’s Rural South on Thursday night, where a resident said individuals with residency stamps were being required to obtain visas to return after travelling abroad.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged what he described as a legislative flaw and said Cabinet is expected to establish a clear policy at its next meeting.

“A lot of persons my friends from the DR are afraid to go home because for them that means nothing,” he said, referring to residency status. “So, we shall do the right thing once you have acquired residency status. You can work. You should be able to move as well.”

Benjamin said several Dominican nationals have been affected and assured residents that corrective action would be taken.