Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica is optimistic about restoring visa-free travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for Dominicans.
The visa-free arrangement was suspended in July 2023 due to concerns about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
In a press conference, Prime Minister Skerrit said that his government has been engaged in continuous talks with the British Government, as Dominica News Online reported.
Caribbean Life reported that Skerrit shared that a letter from former UK Home Secretary James Cleverly indicated a willingness to reconsider the visa requirement.
Skerrit said, “It was a very positive letter. There is one outstanding matter that we need to conclude, and we are working on it.”
This remaining issue is primarily legal, but the prime minister remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon.
The Prime Minister added that the recent change in the UK Government and the new cabinet will not deter them from pushing for a resolution.
Negotiations had been advancing before the transition in leadership, and the government is determined to maintain this momentum.
He plans to write to the new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to update her on the discussions and respond to her predecessor’s letter.
Skerrit believes that the ongoing reforms and discussions with UK authorities will eventually result in lifting the visa requirement.
Reforms to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program
Dominica’s CBI program was a key factor in the UK’s decision to impose visa restrictions.
The CBI allows foreign investors to gain Dominican citizenship in exchange for significant investments in the country.
On 19 July 2023, the UK said Dominica’s CBI scheme “has shown clear and evident abuse” of the program.
Then Home Secretary Suella Braverman cited the CBI granting “citizenship to individuals known to pose a risk to the UK.”
In response to these concerns, Dominica has made substantial changes to improve the transparency and security of its CBI program.
One of the major steps, according to DOM767, has been signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with other Caribbean nations that also have CBI programs.
Other Caribbean nations that have signed the MoU include Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
The MoU focuses on enhancing due diligence, setting a minimum investment threshold of $200,000.
It also promotes greater information sharing between the participating countries.
Additionally, the MoU calls for financial audits and the creation of a regional authority to oversee CBI practices.
These reforms aim to ensure that only credible and trustworthy individuals are granted citizenship through the program.
These should address the security concerns raised by the UK and other international partners.
The Dominican Government hopes that these changes will pave the way for the reinstatement of visa-free travel.
Why visa-free travel to the UK is essential to Dominicans
Visa-free travel allows citizens of one country to enter another without needing a visa, typically for short stays.
For many Dominicans, losing visa-free access to the UK has been a challenge.
Before July 2023, Dominica citizens could travel to the UK without a visa for tourism, business, and other short-term purposes.
This arrangement also encouraged business exchanges and facilitated easier family visits.
Since the visa requirement was imposed, Dominicans have had to apply for costly and time-consuming UK visas.
Even travelers simply passing through UK airports are now required to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa.
The reinstatement of visa-free travel would ease these burdens and restore the ease of movement that Dominica’s citizens once enjoyed.
Potential for inclusion in the UK ETA Scheme
When the UK announced its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme in 2021, Dominica had a visa waiver agreement with the UK.
This would have enabled Dominicans to qualify for the new scheme, which aims to enhance border security and streamline travel to the UK.
The ETA scheme requires non-visa nationals to apply for pre-travel authorization online and pay £10.
This allows the government to pre-screen them and identify potential threats before they arrive in the UK.
The ETA allows multiple short trips of up to six months over two years or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever is sooner.
An ETA application can take around three days, which is considerably faster than applying for a visa.
Dominica is not currently part of the ETA program, set to open for all non-European non-visa nationals on 27 November 2024.
However, the government is hopeful that a reinstated visa-free regime could give Dominicans access to the new scheme.
The ETA scheme would give Dominicans more travel flexibility to the UK for tourism, family visits, business, study, and transit.
Looking ahead
Prime Minister Skerrit’s optimism is grounded in the improvements to the CBI program and the positive dialogue with UK officials.
He acknowledged that there is no specific timeline for when visa-free travel to the UK will be reinstated.
However, Skeritt remains confident that the UK will recognize Dominica’s efforts.
“We believe the steps we’ve taken put us in a strong position,” the Dominican Prime Minister said.
He added, “We are committed to continuing this respectful and transparent dialogue with the UK.”
Restoring visa-free access would ease travel to the UK for thousands of Dominicans.
It would also strengthen business, tourism, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Skerrit emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring Dominica meets international standards for transparency and security in its CBI program.
This is crucial in rebuilding trust with the UK and other global partners.