Caribbean Nations Implement EU-Style Free Movement Agreement

An aerial view of Ambergris Caye, Belize, in 2019. Photograph: Andre Seale/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

On October 1, 2025, four Caribbean nations—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—implemented a groundbreaking agreement allowing their citizens to move freely across each other's borders without the need for visas or work permits.

This historic pact grants nationals the right to enter, reside, work, and remain indefinitely in any of the participating countries. Additionally, citizens will have access to public services such as education and healthcare upon arrival.

The initiative aims to strengthen regional integration and address the ongoing brain drain by providing more opportunities within the Caribbean. By facilitating the free movement of skilled professionals, the agreement seeks to retain talent that might otherwise migrate to North America or Europe.

While the agreement currently includes four nations, it is viewed as a significant step toward broader regional cooperation. Officials express hope that other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states will join the initiative in the near future.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Caribbean history, reflecting a collective commitment to economic and cultural integration. By removing barriers to movement, the participating countries aim to foster a more unified and prosperous region.