Government Releases U.S. Proposal and Antigua and Barbuda Counter-Proposal on Third-Country Nationals

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, 28 September 2026 – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda today released to the public the proposal received from the Government of the United States concerning Operating Procedures for the possible transfer to Antigua and Barbuda of third-country nationals removed from the United States, together with Antigua and Barbuda’s counter-proposal.

Both documents will also be tabled in the House of Representatives by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Sir Steadroy Benjamin.

The Government is doing so in keeping with its commitment to transparency and to keeping Parliament and the people of Antigua and Barbuda fully informed on a matter involving the country’s sovereignty, security, laws, public finances and national interest.

No agreement has been concluded. The United States document is a proposal and the Antigua and Barbuda document is a counter-proposal. Discussions between the two Governments are continuing.

The discussions are part of a wider initiative undertaken by the United States with countries in different parts of the world, including members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Some CARICOM countries have entered into arrangements with the United States, while others have engaged in discussions concerning proposals made to them by the United States.

Antigua and Barbuda is responding to a request from the United States and has sought to determine whether, and under what strictly controlled conditions, it could responsibly cooperate while protecting its national interests.

Among the principal safeguards in Antigua and Barbuda’s counter-proposal are:

• every person proposed for transfer must be considered individually and receive the prior express written approval of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda;
• a maximum of seven persons in any three-month period, which is a ceiling and not a quota or obligation;
• strict requirements concerning eligibility, criminal and security screening, health, immigration history, protection claims and valid travel documentation;
• confirmation that each proposed individual has been informed that Antigua and Barbuda is the destination, understands the temporary nature of the arrangement, and has indicated in writing a willingness to be transferred;
• admission and temporary presence would be governed by the laws of Antigua and Barbuda;
• satisfactory financial and operational arrangements must be in place so that the costs arising from the transfer and continued presence of persons do not become a burden on the taxpayers of Antigua and Barbuda;
• satisfactory arrangements for lawful return or onward placement when a person’s temporary presence comes to an end; and
• the right of Antigua and Barbuda to suspend further transfers where national security, public order, public health, capacity, financial or other serious concerns arise.