St. John’s, Antigua –August 20, 2020: Imagine being able to choose between 365 beaches for your morning jog and then working while overlooking the ocean.

These are just a few of the perks to which anyone can look forward to if you choose to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years. Economic Envoy for Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Calvin Ayre, says he fully supports of the Government’s long-stay visa program designed for persons who can work remotely and are desirous of doing so from a safe Caribbean island. Details of the program will be launched on a dedicated government website shortly.

The idea behind this initiative is to grant eligible persons a special resident authorization that will be valid for up to two (2) years in the first instance. Antigua and Barbuda has successfully and impressively managed the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting infection and spread to comparatively very small numbers. Further, its reliable and fast telecommunications network offers a unique setting to work comfortably in an idyllic setting. All applicants would be subject to due diligence and COVID-19 pretesting.

According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that approximately 50% of “information workers” in the United States (U.S.) are presently working remotely. Companies in Europe with a work from home policy are at a high of 88%, up from 4% that was reported prior to the health crisis.