The CARICOM free movement regime has processed 939 nationals during its first year, with participating countries reporting progress in mobility, employment and access to specified services.

The regime began on October 1, 2025, between Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Under the arrangement, nationals of the four participating countries can enter, leave, re-enter, move freely, reside, work and remain indefinitely in another participating member state without needing a work or residency permit.

The initiative was introduced as part of efforts to accelerate participation in the wider CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which supports the movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the regional grouping.

According to the CARICOM Secretariat, Barbados processed 918 applications between October 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. Dominica processed five applications, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines facilitated seven. The Secretariat said the combined total was 939 persons, noting that some individuals were already residing in the participating countries before the free movement regime took effect.

CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for the Single Market and Trade, Ambassador Wayne McCook, said the experience of the four participating countries demonstrates that free movement can work. He said their progress, lessons and emerging practices could help guide other CARICOM member states preparing to join the enhanced free movement arrangement.

The CARICOM Secretariat also reported that all four participating countries have introduced or advanced legislative, administrative and institutional measures to support entry, residence, employment and access to specified contingent rights.

While the first year has shown progress, the Secretariat identified several areas requiring further attention. These include registration, data collection and management, monitoring and reporting, public awareness and stakeholder sensitisation.

The four countries are now entering the second year of the arrangement, with CARICOM maintaining that the system should remain accessible, predictable and responsive to the needs of Community nationals.