Parliament has approved legislation establishing a new immigration amnesty programme that will allow certain undocumented migrants in Antigua and Barbuda to regularise their status during a two-month window beginning July 1, according to Antigua News Room.

The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026 passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Immigration Minister E.P. Chet Greene described the initiative as an opportunity for eligible non-nationals to come forward and become compliant with the country's immigration laws.

The amnesty period will run from July 1 to August 31.

Greene told Parliament that applicants must provide a police record from every country in which they have resided during the previous four years. "Persons applying for amnesty must provide a police record from every territory in which the applicant resided for the last four years," the minister said while piloting the legislation.

Applicants will also be required to pay a $500 processing fee and a $150 change-of-status endorsement fee, bringing the total cost of applying under the programme to $650.

The minister outlined restrictions designed to prevent repeated use of successive amnesty programmes. Individuals who have previously benefited from amnesty programmes on three separate occasions will not qualify for the current initiative.

"A person who has applied for amnesty on three previous occasions is ineligible and will not qualify for the amnesty extended here and now by the government," Greene told lawmakers.

Government officials have stated that the programme is intended to regularise the status of undocumented migrants already living and working in Antigua and Barbuda, while ensuring that all applicants undergo background checks before receiving legal status.

The legislation forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen immigration administration and bring more residents into compliance with national immigration requirements.

Authorities are expected to release additional details on the application process ahead of the July 1 start date.