Antigua’s immigration policy changed

The Antigua and Barbuda government has offered an explanation for its move to hold on to the passports of non-national minors travelling to the country.



The government says the move is aimed at countering the growing trend of minors from certain Caribbean countries travelling to Antigua on the pretext of a summer vacation.



It says statistics from the Immigration Department show that within the last nine months, over 14,000 applications were made and approvals granted for extensions to remain in the country.



A government statement has said nationals of the Republic of Guyana are the largest group of applicants seeking an extension of time to remain in the country.



It added that the continuous flow of immigrants into Antigua has had an overwhelming impact on the country’s social infrastructure, especially as it relates to healthcare and education.