Barbados PM welcomes non-Bajans, urges registration in key agencies

People moving to take advantage of the free movement initiative implemented by four Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, are being asked to register with the various state agencies in the country they choose in an effort to ensure smooth transitions.

In the case of Barbados, these agencies include the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Barbados Revenue Authority; while in St Vincent and the Grenadines, this will be the National Insurance Services (NIS).

On October, 1, 2025, an initiative that allows the free movement of nationals between St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Barbados, Dominica and Belize came into effect.

As a result, nationals of these countries now have the right to enter, leave and re-enter, move freely, reside, work and remain indefinitely in the mentioned countries without the need for a work or residency permit.

Welcoming the move, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, addressed the nation on national television last week where she encouraged people to take advantage of the initiative, while adhering to the laws of the countries they choose to go to. She also explained the moving process and why it is important for the countries involved.

“…as a nation, Barbados, we need it. Let me make it simple. Those who are nationals of any of the other pioneering countries will present their passport when they arrive in Barbados…the immigration will record their entitlement to indefinite stay in our electronic system.

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