ANTIGUA-IMMIGRATION-Audit reveals irregularities at immigration department

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC - Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer on Friday announced new rules governing the issuing of temporary residence status to non-nationals after an audit of the immigration department unearthed irregularities in the issuing process.

In an address to the nation, Spencer explained that while the Immigration and Passport Act prescribed that people who applied for temporary residency must have been lawfully resident in the country for at least three years prior to the date of the application, temporary residence certificates had been issued to people who legally did not meet that qualification.

 “I wish to assure the general public that the ongoing audit investigation is intended only to improve and strengthen the operations of the immigration department as a whole, and to ensure that the provisions of the relevant legislation are being applied to all, without fear or favour,” Spencer said.

The prime minister said that the audit also revealed that in several instances, temporary residence certificates were issued for longer than the legal 24-month period.

The prime minister’s address followed days of speculation on talk radio that the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration was against non-nationals.

Spencer, however, called that suggestion “the mother of all absurdities”.

“Contrary to recent reports in the press and statements aired over one section of the electronic media from uninformed and ill-informed mischievous sources, there is no cause for alarm either by immigration officers or our immigrant population,” he said.

“We have, without any doubt, restored a degree of dignity and independence to immigrants who have been residing here for years and contributing to our economy.” 

He pointed to his administration’s track record, noting that since the passage of the Millennium Naturalisation Act in 2004, nearly 1000 immigrants had become citizens under the legislation.

The Act allows immigrants residing in Antigua and Barbuda continually from January 1, 2000, to obtain citizenship far easier than the process allowed by the Constitution or the earlier enacted Citizenship Act.

Spencer also noted that some 8000 Temporary Resident Certificates had been issued to immigrants since the UPP took office on March 24, 2004. 

The prime minister told the nation that the Temporary Residence Division, which has been under review since April 1, 2008, would reopen on Tuesday, but with several conditions recommended by the attorney general.

One recommendation is that only new applicants and candidates for renewal who satisfy the legally required 3-year residential qualification be considered.

Spencer said the conditions would remain in place pending the completion of the audit investigation and the consideration of its report by Cabinet.

CMC/08