New diplomatic passport policy

The Antigua and Barbuda government will soon be implementing a new diplomatic passport policy to increase the level of transparency, accountability and legitimacy of diplomatic appointments.

In announcing details of the new policy Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda, as a member-state of the international community, adheres to obligations under international law.

He said the government recognizes that threats to global well-being have altered and intensified, particularly in relation to terrorist activities and organized crime.

Browne said come March this year, when the new electronic passports, containing biometric data, will be ready for issue, the government will recall all existing diplomatic and official passports, except those held by the governor general and spouse, the prime minister and spouse, ministers of government and spouses, diplomats accredited by formal agreement to other states and international and regional organizations and their spouses and dependent children.