Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has approved a resolution ratifying a visa exemption agreement with the United Arab Emirates, a step government officials say will strengthen diplomatic ties and ease travel between the two nations. According to Antigua News Room, the resolution was presented to the House of Representatives by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene.
The agreement allows eligible passport holders from both countries to travel without obtaining visas in advance, simplifying movement between Antigua and Barbuda and the UAE. The arrangement is expected to open doors for official travel, business engagement, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Lawmakers approved the resolution during Tuesday's parliamentary sitting as part of a broader package of international agreements brought before the House for ratification. The resolutions were approved without extended debate.
The UAE has emerged as an increasingly important partner for Caribbean nations in recent years, particularly in the areas of investment, renewable energy, aviation, trade and development cooperation. Government officials have previously identified the Gulf region as an area of growing strategic interest, emphasising the importance of expanding Antigua and Barbuda's relationships beyond its traditional partners in North America and Europe.
The visa waiver resolution was among several international measures passed during the sitting. Parliament also ratified amendments relating to the International Labour Organization, protocols associated with the International Civil Aviation Organization, and agreements concerning international financial information exchange.
Government officials said the agreements collectively strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's international standing and deepen cooperation with key global partners.
The ratification forms part of Antigua and Barbuda's broader push to forge stronger bilateral agreements with countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The visa waiver agreement is expected to enter into force once both countries complete the remaining administrative and diplomatic procedures.
