Browne Administration has weakened CIP security, so Tabor believes UK will pull our visa-free travel privilege

Now that the Commonwealth of Dominica has become the first
casualty of the United Kingdom’s imposition of an entry visa, the
United Progressive Party (UPP) fears that Antigua and Barbuda
might suffer a similar fate – even as speculation about an
October 2023 cut-off date is rife.

To date, there has been no official confirmation by British
authorities on the status of Antigua and Barbuda’s travel
arrangements.

However, Damani Tabor, UPP public relations officer, says that
Britain’s decision to cancel visa-free access is likely to impact
Antigua and Barbuda eventually.

After all, he says, the Browne Administration has done nothing to
improve the country’s Citizenship by Investment programme nor its
overall position.

Tabor accuses the Browne Administration of having weakened the
programme by removing the mandate of an oversight committee
and shortening the residency period – thereby placing the CIP in a
vulnerable position.

Accordingly, he notes that the ratings of the country’s passport will
continue to decline, further damaging marketing prospects.
Tabor says the Government cannot afford to have the CIP fall further
in the rankings, as this will reduce the revenue collected and bring
greater hardship on citizens and residents.

Therefore, he is wondering whether the Government has taken any
preemptive measures to avoid a fate similar to Dominica’s.

Given the situation, Tabor says, the Administration should be
considering any action which could demonstrate to the UK that it
will attract only the highest-quality applicants – in order that
confidence in the programme can be restored.

He believes that reconstituting the oversight committee and
extending the residency period would also help demonstrate that
this country is serious about border security –  which the UK says it
is trying to protect.

Further, Tabor says that Government should be seeking an audience
with UK officials to discuss how any fallout with this country can be
avoided.