The Government of Barbados is considering the possibility of joining several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations in signing an agreement with the United States to accept third-country refugees, amid growing efforts by Washington to manage its immigration challenges.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds indicated that while Barbados has not yet been formally approached by the US government, the country remains open to discussions.
- Advertisement -
“I would like to think that we would not be left out,” Symmonds said, adding that the government would carefully assess any proposal if it is presented.
Several regional neighbors have already moved ahead. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis have confirmed that they have signed agreements with the United States, while Guyana has disclosed that negotiations are still underway.
Speaking to local media, Symmonds noted that US officials have been engaging Caribbean states individually, but have not yet contacted Barbados.
“They have not reached out to us yet, so we will just wait and see. It is not something we are looking forward to,” he said. “However, when the time comes, we will cross that bridge.”
The minister declined to speculate on the conditions Barbados might attach to any potential deal, stressing that there has been no formal communication from the Trump administration on the matter.
He highlighted that other CARICOM countries have already set clear boundaries. Antigua and Barbuda, for example, has stated it will not accept asylum seekers with criminal records. Dominica has also emphasized the need for strict vetting to avoid receiving individuals who may pose security risks.
The development comes amid a broader tightening of US immigration policy. In December, the Trump administration expanded travel restrictions to 20 additional countries, including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Those measures took effect on January 1.
More recently, the US State Department announced that citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica will now be required to post a bond of up to US$15,000 when applying for visas to enter the United States. The policy is set to take effect on January 21.
Cuba is the only other Caribbean nation included in the bond requirement, with most of the affected countries located in Africa.
As regional governments weigh their options, questions remain about the humanitarian, security, and economic implications of hosting third country refugees. Barbados officials have made it clear that any agreement would require thorough assessment and safeguards to protect national interests.
For now, Bridgetown is taking a cautious wait and see approach as Washington continues its outreach across the Caribbean.
