Dominica Requests EU Visa-Free Travel

In an effort to boost their economy, the Commonwealth of Dominica's foreign affairs team has requested that the European Union remove all visa requirements for nationals travelling to Europe.

Along with several other countries, Dominica's Junior Foreign Affairs Minister, Alvin Bernard has asked that visa-free entry to Europe should be open to the British Commonwealth country. ‘We have made some progress and we have had tremendous commitment from various representatives of the Council, but at the moment, the most recent report that we have received is that the Council is at the moment preoccupied," he said. "The consideration of the request from Dominica is still for consideration, but it has been delayed because of the countries from the Middle Eastern area included on the list”.

The efforts made to remove the entry visa to Europe are considered necessary in order to stimulate trade in  Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which was signed five years ago with Europe. Bernard believes that lifting the visa requirements for Dominica and other signatory countries to the EPA is crucial. 

The EPA was originally signed by Dominica and other countries from the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) that would assist the EU considerably for trade. The purpose of the agreement is to make business, trading and investment easier from the two regions therefore helping the Caribbean countries grow their economies and create employment opportunities.