Antigua and Barbuda Sets Proposed Conditions for U.S. Third-Country Transfers

Antigua and Barbuda is proposing a series of safeguards that would have to be met before any third-country national could be transferred from the United States to the twin-island state. Prime Minister Gaston Browne outlined the proposed conditions on Saturday during Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, explaining that the government has revised a proposal received from the United States and returned its own terms for consideration. A key requirement under the draft operating procedures is that every individual considered for transfer must have a valid, unexpired passport issued by their country of nationality. The government also wants assurances that anyone transferred to Antigua and Barbuda has a realistic and lawful way to leave the country afterward. Before approving an individual, authorities would have to be satisfied that the person could legally enter their country of nationality or another onward destination acceptable to the government. As part of that process, the United States would be expected to provide Antigua and Barbuda with a copy of the individual's passport as well as information demonstrating that the proposed destination would admit them. The information would also have to identify any known legal, diplomatic or practical difficulties that could prevent the individual from returning to their home country or travelling to another approved destination. Browne said the proposed safeguards are designed to prevent Antigua and Barbuda from accepting people who could subsequently become unable to leave. “We’re not accepting anyone without a travel document, because if they don’t have a travel document, then clearly we’ll be stuck with them,” Browne said. Possessing a passport would not, however, automatically qualify someone for transfer. Under the proposed procedures, Antigua and Barbuda would retain the authority to review each case individually, with express written approval required before any transfer could take place. The draft terms would also restrict transfers to no more than seven people during any three-month period. The proposed limit would not require Antigua and Barbuda to accept seven individuals, but would instead establish the maximum number that could be transferred during that period. Browne said the government has submitted its revised conditions to Washington for consideration. The proposed arrangements remain under negotiation, meaning the passport requirement, onward-travel safeguards, individual approval process and transfer limit have not yet been finalized as an agreement between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States.