Antigua and Barbuda will launch a three-month immigration amnesty starting April 2. The program targets undocumented migrants living in the country for years.

Under the plan, eligible migrants can apply to regularize their immigration status. However, they must meet specific requirements.

First, applicants must have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for at least four years. In addition, they must provide supporting documentation.

Government officials say the amnesty aims to help long-term residents. At the same time, it will strengthen immigration management.

According to Maurice Merchant, the Cabinet agreed on the April 2 start date.

“They also agreed that the amnesty itself will start on the 2nd of April and will run for three months,” Merchant told reporters.

Therefore, undocumented migrants who meet the criteria will have a limited window to apply.

Merchant also addressed the four-year residency rule. He explained that officials believe the timeframe is reasonable.

“They think it’s adequate,” he said. He added that many undocumented residents have already lived in the country that long.

Meanwhile, applicants must provide a police record from their country of origin. Importantly, the document must cover the last two years.

Officials say the record helps confirm good conduct and security checks. As a result, authorities can better assess each application.

The government has also lowered the application fee. Originally, the proposal recommended a processing fee of EC$500.

However, Cabinet later reduced the fee to EC$250. Officials say the change will make the process more affordable.

Consequently, more eligible migrants may choose to apply during the amnesty period.

Under the plan, the Chief Immigration Officer will review each application. After that, the office will decide whether to approve or deny requests.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are preparing to debate the proposed legal changes.

Parliament is expected to consider the Immigration Amendment Bill on April 23.

The legislation will support the amnesty program and update immigration procedures.

Government officials believe the initiative will bring order to the system. Furthermore, it may help long-term residents contribute more openly to the country.

Overall, the amnesty offers undocumented migrants a chance to regularize their status.

However, the opportunity will last only three months. Therefore, eligible residents must apply before the deadline once the program begins.