Saint Lucia seeks clarification from the US about possible travel restrictions reported in a New York Times article. The country is among 22 classified in a “yellow” category that could face restrictions within 60 days. Other Caribbean nations affected include St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda, which are also addressing similar concerns regarding their Citizenship by Investment programs.
The Government of Saint Lucia has announced it has not received any official communication from the United States regarding potential travel restrictions. It is currently seeking clarification on reports indicating that Saint Lucia is classified in a “yellow” category alongside 21 others that have 60 days to address various deficiencies before facing restrictions.
According to The New York Times, this draft proposal, developed by the State Department, potentially classifies countries into three categories: a “red” list that includes 11 nations completely barred from entry, an “orange” list of 10 countries facing some restrictions, and the “yellow” list requiring remediation efforts.
Saint Lucia’s government emphasized its friendly relationship with the US, stating, “The USA is a friend of Saint Lucia and remains a key partner in Saint Lucia’s development.” The government also plans to keep the public informed on any updates regarding communications from the US.
Other Caribbean nations on the yellow list include St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, all of which are also seeking clarification from the US. Reportedly, the concern stems from issues like inadequate security measures for passport issuance and insufficient traveler information sharing, particularly since all nations listed operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.
The St Kitts and Nevis government indicated a commitment to dialogue with the US since August 2022, especially relating to reforms in their CBI program. In January, Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew attended multilateral discussions in the UK with US officials, emphasizing their dedication to international collaboration and adhering to global standards.
Antigua and Barbuda has communicated formally with the US State Department, highlighting that their CBI program does not accept applicants from countries on a US banned list. They also affirmed rigorous vetting of applicants through recognized international agencies, including INTERPOL, to exclude those with criminal backgrounds or pending serious charges.
In light of potential travel restrictions from the US, Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations are actively seeking clarity on their classifications. The article highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency in the situation while maintaining strong ties with the US. The Caribbean nations featured are committed to compliance with international standards in their Citizenship by Investment programs to prevent any negative repercussions from these developments.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
