Refugee Agreement Not Yet in Effect, Antigua Government says

The government says it will make a full public announcement before any decision is taken to activate its refugee understanding with the United States, stressing that the arrangement is non-binding and has not been put into effect.

In a statement issued Friday, officials said no arrangements are in place to receive third-country nationals from the United States or elsewhere, and that the understanding “has not yet been operationalized.”

The government said the only current movement of non-nationals into the country occurs through OECS free movement and eligible applicants under the CARICOM Skills Qualification Certificate programme.

According to the statement, the understanding would only become active if a “critical mass” of countries joins the process, and Antigua and Barbuda’s participation would proceed strictly under national law, institutional capacity and explicit government approval.

Under the proposed framework, the United States could request case-by-case transfers of non-criminal third-country nationals, particularly people seeking refuge from severe conditions in their home countries. However, the government said it retains the absolute right to refuse any case on national interest or security grounds.

Officials said no individual could be transferred without prior assessment, approval and express consent, noting there is no automatic acceptance or obligation. Any potential acceptances would be capped at no more than 10 people per year.

The government also said the understanding creates no legal obligations and can be terminated with 90 days’ written notice.

Before any move to operationalize the arrangement, the government said it will issue a full public announcement outlining the safeguards and procedures to be applied.

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