Antigua and Barbuda’s immigration amnesty programme is now processing about 40 applications each day, as officials say the system has become more organised following a busy start.
Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood said the first day saw more applicants than the Immigration Department could accommodate, prompting the introduction of a numbering system to better manage the crowds.
The programme, which allows undocumented residents to regularise their immigration status, accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration begins shortly before 2:00 p.m., with applications processed between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Officials first check applicants’ documents before accepting submissions. Those without the required paperwork are asked to return once their applications are complete. Applicants must provide a completed application form, a passport-sized photograph and a police record.
Successful applicants are given an appointment to return after 14 days, when officials either extend their status under the amnesty or begin the next stage towards residency or citizenship, depending on how long they have lived in Antigua and Barbuda.
The amnesty is available to people who have lived in the country without legal immigration status for more than four years.
Ms Yearwood said the programme is designed to address gaps in applicants’ immigration records, allowing eligible individuals to qualify for residency or citizenship. She acknowledged there was some confusion during the launch but said the process has improved as both staff and applicants have become familiar with the system.
Although pleased with the programme’s early progress, she said it is still too early to assess its overall success, noting that officials have yet to complete the first full week of operations.
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Around 40 a day? wait Antigua and Barbuda borders have more holes than Swiss cheese. This has to end, no more amnesty for votes.
40 a day!!! All that tells me is that the majority of these illegals not only overstayed their welcome, but we’re obviously running away from problems they had in their countries of origin.
Trinidad 🇹🇹, Jamaica 🇯🇲, Guyana 🇬🇾 and Haiti 🇭🇹 Syria have well known problems that we all know about (and we can ill afford to take on), and it would also be good to have a breakdown of the figures from this foolish government, of each and every entrants country of origin.
And let’s not forget Trump’s deportees and illegal immigrants are yet to arrive here.
Lord have mercy on the future of Antigua 🇦🇬
The high daily volume highlights the magnitude and scale of undocumented residency in Antigua and Barbuda. It is quite evident that such initiatives undermine immigration law and encourages people to continue breaking the law and wait for the next amnesty.
@Audley Phillip / @Brixtonian / @40 a day and 16 a year – I know we are a small country, and some points are valid, but let’s not forget this might be a small number in comparison to how many of our nationals live abroad and do the same thing. When I listen to us sometimes, we come off bad-minded because it seems as if it’s ok for us to do it somewhere, but we don’t want it to be done here. Anywho!!!!!
Antiguans must be the most backward people on this planet. This is a deliberate strategy. The Government allows them to come in, purposely allows them to break the law then offer amnesty so they can cement themselves in power. This will be the end of Antigua as we know it. Mark my word, one of these days the people who allowed this will experience their waterloo
@ FC
You response to Brixtonian and Audley Phillip is so idiotic I hope they do not dignify your stupidity with a reply
That’s why I’m leaving at the end of the year @Born and bred Antiguan. Its not rocket science to see what’s coming down the line for the country…
@ FC
What’s the meaning of FC foreigners come Or fool come? The population in Antigua and Barbuda has always been low until the influx of foreigners during the late 90s. This was due to politicians greed and because of this the country was not allowed to grow on its own. Antiguans do travel but we always return home and for those who don’t the % is nothing compared to what’s going on now in this nation. Please when you speak of Antiguans over staying make sure they’re indigenous and not mixed with others who came with intentions of getting or passports to move on.
In 2022 it was reported that 5000 undocumented immigrants applied for Amnesty.
Four years later the trajectory is trending towards a similar number of undocumented immigrants.
Did the competent authority not learn and take corrective action?
The immigration head is speaking as if this is normal. She is obviously failing the country by not securing the borders. How is it the immigration head is in this position again?
There was an Amnesty in 2018 also. IMMIGRATION HEAD IS PRESIDING OVER GHOST WORKERS.
After the legitimise themselves they will then have access to all social programmes etc on the back of other.
The head of our Immigration Department Katrina Yearwood was never fit for this high office.
Let’s be frank, her father Robin obviously pulled a few political strings for her; and who can forget when she was being held to account by the media, Yearwood clammed up and couldn’t respond to a single question. It was embarrassing!
Yet, she’s still in charge. How daft!!!
How does the Chief Immigration Officer still have a contract after continued poor performance?
Is there a performance clause in the Chief Immigration Officers contact?
This is unreal.