Antigua: Full visa-free access to Bangladeshi citizens denied

Bangladeshi citizens will not be enjoying full visa-free access to Antigua and Barbuda anytime soon.

Minister of Information Melford Nicholas announced on Thursday, the decision of the Antigua and Barbuda government to withhold full visa-free access from the South Asian country.

He explained that while the idea was “duly considered”, it was ultimately not approved by the Cabinet due to concerns about “an effluent of persons who would come to the jurisdiction that ultimately would cause concerns for some of our partners particularly in the Schengen Area in Europe.”

This decision follows a proposal by Foreign Minister Chet Greene for a visa-free arrangement between the two countries, made during discussions with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.

Nicholas, however, mentioned that the Cabinet briefly discussed the possibility of allowing individuals with diplomatic status from Bangladesh to travel more freely, but said, “I think we will look at that a bit later down.”

Despite the visa decision, Antigua and Barbuda are moving forward with their plans to open a consulate in Bangladesh later this year.

Nicholas highlighted that this move aligns with their foreign policy, “so there is no harm done by having the consulate in that part of the world.”