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Dominica: Information on the Office of the High Commissioner for the Countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the rights enjoyed by citizens of member countries regarding work and residence, and whether these rights are automatic

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) was established in June 1981, and consists of the following members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadins, British Virgin Islands, and Anguila (OECS 11 Feb. 1993, 26). The OECS operates a number of institutions. For details, please refer to the attachments. Through the Eastern Caribbean Common Market, the organization promotes "the free movement of factors of production" (ibid., 27).

A representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for the Countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in Ottawa provided the following information (16 June 1994). The Office of the High Commissioner for the OECS represents the interests of members of the organization in a Commonwealth country. It also represents member countries who are not represented by their missions in a Commonwealth country.

Citizens of member states with valid passports do not require an entry visa to visit another member state. Citizens of member states move freely within the region. Citizens of member states can stay for as long as they wish in another member state, as long as they can support their stay. However, they must provide proof of this means of support to immigration officials at the port of entry. Citizens of member states are free to work in any of the member countries, as long as there is guaranteed employment for them. Citizens of member countries do not need letters of employment from employers in order to enter another member country for employment. However, carrying such a letter might assist immigration officials in determining the reasons for entry.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Office of the High Commissioner for the Countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Ottawa. 16 June 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). 11 February 1993. The Eastern Caribbean States. Ottawa: Office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

Attachments

The Europa World Year Book 1993. 1993. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications Ltd., p. 103.

Office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). 11 February 1993. The Eastern Caribbean States. Ottawa: Office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, pp. 1-30.

Yearbook of International Organizations: 1993/94. 1993. 30th ed. Vol. 1. Edited by Romuald Covalescu et al. Munich: KG Saur, pp. 1320-21.

Topics: Visas,