SVG amends Law to facilitate free movement of more CARICOM nationals
THE PARLIAMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines has passed amended legislation that would allow free movement to new categories of CARICOM nationals.
The passage of the Immigration Amendment Bill 2024, allows free movement within the Caribbean Community of more categories of workers.
The amendment was passed in Parliament on Tuesday September 3, 2024.
In tabling the Bill, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves explained that the Bill seeks to amend the existing Act, to allow additional categories of workers to have free movement within CARICOM.
The existing Law allows free movement for university graduates, but the amendment now includes artisans, agriculture and domestic workers, and private security guards.
Gonsalves said the original Act was amended in 2007, to include teachers, nurses, and other professionals.
He also stated that soon, there will be complete free movement of persons within the region.
The amendment which was passed on Tuesday came about from an agreement by CARICOM Heads of Government.
In supporting the Bill, Government Senator, Keisal Peters, said “such a Bill will help and enhance labour market efficiencies.”
“This Bill receives my support because it is evidence of the ongoing commitment of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the integration process.”
In his contribution, Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday, expressed support for the integration efforts.
“Incrementally, the free movement process is being implemented without the general proclamation that it is in place,” the Opposition Leader stated.
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