Saint Lucia’s government is seeking clarification from the US on proposed travel restrictions, as reported by the New York Times. The country is on a suggested “yellow” list along with others in the region, requiring attention to perceived deficiencies. Ongoing dialogue with the US highlights the commitment to addressing concerns in their Citizenship by Investment programs.
The Government of Saint Lucia has not received any official notification from the United States regarding potential travel restrictions on its citizens. In light of a report by the New York Times indicating that Saint Lucia is classified as a “yellow” country, the government is actively seeking clarification on this status. This classification implies that Saint Lucia has 60 days to rectify perceived deficiencies to avoid restrictive measures.
The New York Times outlined a proposal from the State Department categorizing countries into three tiers: a “red” list barring entry to 11 nations, a “yellow” list including Saint Lucia and twenty-one other nations requiring improvements, and an “orange” list with ten nations facing limited travel restrictions. The draft is still subject to change before reaching the White House.
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed the friendship and partnership between Saint Lucia and the USA, expressing hope for stronger bilateral relations. Updates will be provided as communication with the US progresses. Other nations, such as St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, also appear on the yellow list and are pursuing clarification with the US government.
Motivations for the yellow classification were not disclosed; however, the New York Times suggested possible concerns regarding security practices for passport issuance, traveler information sharing, or the selling of citizenship to residents of banned countries. All Caribbean nations on this list operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.
The St Kitts and Nevis government emphasized its commitment to reforming its CBI program and has maintained an ongoing dialogue with the US since August 2022. Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew’s participation in a multilateral meeting in the UK with US officials further demonstrates their dedication to international cooperation and adherence to best practices in the CBI sector.
Similarly, Antigua and Barbuda reached out to the US State Department, highlighting that it does not accept applications from individuals originating from banned countries and that all applicants undergo thorough vetting by reputable international agencies, such as INTERPOL, to ensure that no applicants with criminal backgrounds or pending charges are accepted.
In summary, the Government of Saint Lucia is actively seeking clarification from the United States regarding a report indicating potential travel restrictions on its citizens. The classifications of countries into various tiers might impact several Caribbean nations, including those operating Citizenship by Investment programs which aim to adhere to international cooperation and best practices. As the situation evolves, relevant updates will be communicated publicly to all stakeholders.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
