“Welcome policy” for Dominicans in place

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The Antigua and Barbuda government has thrown open the country’s doors to Dominicans ravaged by Hurricane Maria.
A meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee responsible for natural disaster planning and response met on Saturday to address the anticipated influx of people from Dominica.
According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, a set of policies to receive OECS/Dominican citizens who may seek refuge here was devised at the meeting. 
The release stated that there would only be two legitimate ports of entry, the VC Bird International Airport and the Montserrat Ferry Dock at Heritage Quay.
Second, it noted that Dominicans have a right of entry and an automatic six-month stay, and may present their passport, driver’s licence, or voter’s identification card to gain entry.
“Those citizens of Dominica who do not have any of the agreed identification will be permitted to enter Antigua, after completing a form which the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department has constructed specifically to meet the needs of those who have lost their documents in the hurricane,” the release noted.
Further, non-Dominicans arriving here must have onward tickets or be prepared to purchase tickets for onward travel to their own countries.
According to the OPM statement, the police and the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy will work together to determine if any of the persons leaving Dominica are law-breakers. The Dominica Police Force and the Joint Regional Communications Centre will also be asked to assist in this effort.
“National Security concerns, under the OECS Treaty, can legitimately be applied to deny certain categories of citizens’ entry into any OECS country. Anyone bearing unlawful items, while attempting to enter Antigua, will be treated as a criminal. Firearms and other weapons, or undeclared currency exceeding $10,000, fall into this category,” the release outlined.
(More in today’s Daily Observer)

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