The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is a union of small island states in the eastern Caribbean. Dominica is a member of the "Eastern Caribbean Economic Union", founded by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre in 2010. One of the union's principles is the free movement of the member states' citizens.
Members of the economic union
According to a statement by the Government of Dominica (20 March 2012), six independent states take part in the arrangement:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The rights announced
- According to the same statement, free movement has applied since 1 August 2011.
- Citizens of the member states may work, set up a business, provide services and live in any member state.
- The statement says citizens may enter another member state and stay for an indefinite period.
- The treaty's text prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality in employment, pay and working conditions.
Why this matters
For a holder of Dominica citizenship, this arrangement means potential access to the labour market and life in several other Eastern Caribbean countries, without a separate work visa.
Practical precautions
- The right is applied in each member state under that state's domestic law. The treaty allows member states, with the approval of the OECS's highest body, to regulate this movement.
- The same 2012 statement said that "some obstacles" still had to be removed. So the practical details may differ from country to country.
- We found no official source clarifying any difference between citizens by birth and citizens by investment under this arrangement. If you intend to live or work in a member state, ask that state's immigration authority about its rules before planning.
- When travelling between the countries, carry a valid passport or a travel document accepted by that country.
This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Sources
- Government of Dominica, OECS Economic Union update (20 March 2012) — https://news.gov.dm/news/news-items/oecs-economic-union-update (checked on 24 October 2026)
- Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, about us — https://oecs.int/en/who-we-are/about-us (checked on 24 October 2026)
- The University of the West Indies, UWI Today, on the free movement protocol (July 2014) — https://sta.uwi.edu/UWIToday/archive/july_2014/article4.asp (checked on 24 October 2026)