Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prepare for Enhanced Free Movement

Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will implement full free movement for their citizens starting October 1, 2025.

Representatives from the four CARICOM states met on September 18 to complete preparations for the launch.

Under the agreement, nationals can enter, reside, work, and study indefinitely across all participating states without the need for work or residency permits.

Administrative Systems and Public Awareness

Officials confirmed that systems for processing and recognition are already established.

They emphasized that public education campaigns will be launched to ensure citizens know their rights, including access to:

• Emergency and primary healthcare
• Public primary and secondary education
• Employment and residency across the four states

Legal Framework for the Initiative

The agreement is grounded in the Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which enables groups of at least three CARICOM states to move forward with specific integration projects when broader consensus is delayed.

This mechanism reflects commitments made at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in July 2025, where leaders reaffirmed mobility as a core priority for deeper integration.

Position Within CARICOM

While these four states advance to full free movement, the rest of CARICOM will continue under the CSME framework, which currently covers:

• Free movement of skilled workers
• Provision of services
• Business establishment rights
• General travel facilitation

The October launch goes beyond these limited categories by extending free movement rights to all nationals of the participating countries.

October 1 Launch and Regional Impact

Citizens in Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are preparing for expanded mobility rights.

Leaders view this milestone as a practical step toward greater economic integration, wider access to opportunities, and stronger social ties across the Caribbean.