By Admin
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Dominica is set to join the ranks of Caribbean nations advancing toward comprehensive free movement among member states, following the recent announcement by CARICOM. According to a press release from the Caribbean Community, four member countries—Dominica, Barbados, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—are on course to implement full free movement starting October 1, 2025.
This initiative signifies a major step towards regional integration, as these nations have collectively agreed to grant their citizens the right to enter, exit, and re-enter each other’s territories freely.
Moreover, CARICOM stated that nationals will be able to move, reside, work, and stay indefinitely in member states without the need for work or residency permits. Additionally, residents will have access to essential services, including emergency and primary healthcare, as well as primary and secondary education, within the facilities available in the host country.
The move aligns with a decision made at the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government this year, emphasizing the community’s commitment to deeper integration. Representatives from the participating countries have reportedly been actively working to put the necessary measures in place to ensure this full free movement begins smoothly on the targeted date.
This development is part of the broader framework outlined in the new Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This chapter empowers the CARICOM Heads to permit groups of at least three member states to pursue targeted integration efforts when achieving such objectives within the entire community proves to be challenging within a reasonable timeframe.
The expansion of free movement under this arrangement surpasses the provisions already available through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It specifically allows for the free movement of all CARICOM nationals from the four participating countries. Meanwhile, the remaining member states will continue to facilitate movement under existing regimes, which include skills, services, business establishment, and general travel facilitation.
