Antigua and Barbuda to debate immigration amnesty bill within weeks

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda says Parliament will meet within the next two weeks to debate and pass changes to immigration law, paving the way for a national amnesty programme.

Proposed amendments to the Immigration and Passport Act 2014 are due to be reviewed by Cabinet before being tabled. Officials say the changes will create a legal framework to regularise the status of certain undocumented migrants.

The amnesty would apply to people who entered the country lawfully but have lived without regularised status for four years or more. Eligible individuals would be able to apply during a three-month window from 1 April to 30 June 2026.

The bill would also provide a pathway for people who narrowly failed to qualify for citizenship because of short breaks in lawful residency.

However, the government says the programme will not be open to everyone. Those considered a threat to national security or public safety will be excluded, as will applicants who provide false information or are subject to active deportation orders or international arrest warrants.

Cabinet has described the measure as a structured effort to improve compliance with immigration laws and strengthen national security oversight. Officials say it is not a blanket pardon but a managed process aimed at bringing long-term residents into legal conformity.

If approved, the amnesty is expected to begin shortly after the legislation is passed.

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