by staff writer
ROSEAU, Dominica, Dec 23, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Tuesday that Dominicans with a valid United States visa will be able to travel to the North American country, even though Washington had issued a proclamation earlier this month implementing partial restrictions on their entry from January 1 next year.
In a nationwide radio address, Skerrit said that he had received clarification from the United States regarding the announcement of the Presidential Proclamation made on December 16.
He said that at this time, the proclamation itself has not been formally withdrawn or suspended; however, critical clarifications have been provided regarding its application and scope.
“There is no specified suspension period at this stage. Discussions are ongoing, and the Government continues to engage US authorities to reverse all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.”
Skerrit said that a first formal review will take place 90 days after January 1, next year, and that “the measures will remain in effect until the identified areas of concern are determined to have been addressed.
But he said Dominican nationals who already hold valid US visas can continue to travel after January 1 next year and that the government has received confirmation that Dominican nationals who hold valid US visas, including tourist, business, student and other categories, “may continue to travel to the United States and its territories as is customary, subject to standard US immigration laws and entry requirements.
“This clarification reaffirms the continuity of lawful travel and provides reassurance to students, families, business travellers, and others with existing visas. Importantly, no valid US visas are being revoked as a result of the proclamation,” Skerrit said.
Last Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued his latest executive order, stating that, apart from Antigua and Barbuda, nationals from Dominica and Haiti would also be affected by the immigration policy.
Trump said some of these countries identified in an earlier proclamation had offered Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency, which poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.
Under the CBI programme, several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, offer citizenship to foreign investors in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of these countries.
Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have “historically had CBI without residency” and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.
He said consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica “to the extent permitted by law.
Trump said in its latest executive order justifying the action taken against the Caribbean countries that “as an example, a foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country.
“ Additionally, United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programmes have been susceptible to several risks. These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions,” he said.
In his broadcast, Prime Minister Skerrit said that he wanted to provide an update on his government’s ongoing engagement with Washington on the issue and that from the outset, Roseau has treated this matter with “urgency, seriousness, and respect for the sovereignty of the United States.
“We fully recognise the right of every nation to protect its national security and public safety. Dominica shares those objectives, and our cooperation with the United States has always been guided by that shared commitment.”
He said that discussions have been held with US officials aimed at clarifying the scope and practical implications of the proclamation, determining how it would affect Dominican nationals, as well as assessing whether reforms already implemented by Dominica satisfy the conditions referenced in the proclamation
“In parallel, the Government formally wrote to the President of the United States seeking clarification and urgent dialogue, in keeping with the spirit of partnership outlined in the Proclamation itself.”
Skerrit, who sought to place the entire issue “in its proper context,” told the nation that over the past several years, particularly throughout 2024 and 2025, Dominica has worked closely with US authorities through multiple channels to address all concerns raised regarding the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme
He said on October 14, this year, Dominica became the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to enact comprehensive legislative reforms to its CBI programme.
He said that these reforms included enhanced and enforceable residency requirements, stricter controls on name changes, strengthened due diligence and background checks, increased financial transparency, as well as expanded powers to revoke citizenship and recall passports where necessary.
He said there was also the establishment of an independent regulatory authority and that “these measures reflect Dominica’s commitment to operating the programme at the highest international standards and in full alignment with US and international security expectations”.
Skerrit said that following the clarification received from Washington, Dominicans without US visas can continue to apply for visas after January 1 next year.
“ Applications may continue to be submitted. However, while applications can be made, new visas cannot be issued while the restriction remains in place for those affected by the Proclamation.”
He said that the government “at this time” has not been advised of “any new or additional visa application requirements specific to Dominican nationals beyond existing US immigration processes and that “should this change, the public will be informed promptly.
He said in summary that the restriction announced earlier this month “applies to Dominican citizens who do not hold valid US visas” and “does not affect Dominican nationals who already possess valid visas (and) does not revoke existing visas.
“Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security, law enforcement, and regional stability. We remain fully committed to cooperation, transparency, and shared security objectives.
“The Government will continue its engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and the State Department in Washington to resolve this matter constructively and reverse all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.”
Skerrit said that he wanted to assure the public that the government is acting “decisively, responsibly, and in the best interest of Dominican citizens.
“We will continue to provide accurate, timely updates as discussions progress. Dominica remains open to dialogue at all levels and is confident that continued engagement will lead to a resolution consistent with mutual respect and the strength of our bilateral relationship<” he said in the broadcast.
CMC/ag/ir/2025