ST. JOHN’S, Antigua--More than 300 nationals from around the region and internationally became citizens of Antigua and Barbuda Tuesday in keeping with a promise made by the Gaston Browne administration to overlook their residency gaps once they paid all the relevant fees.
A person qualifies for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship after lawfully residing in the country for at least seven years.
During the campaign leading up to last year’s general election, the Antigua Labour Party had promised to “correct the injustice facilitated by the United Progressive Party administration which deemed those having gaps within their residency period as not being eligible to become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, even after living and making meaningful contributions to Antigua and Barbuda for over seven years and beyond.”
The Gaston Browne administration introduced citizenship amnesty legislation, namely the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act 2015, to facilitate the granting of citizenship to those affected.
The legislation stipulated that non-nationals who, for whatever reason, had obtained gaps in their time could pay outstanding fees, making them eligible for citizenship. ~ Caribbean360 ~
