A wide-ranging legislative programme set for debate in the House of Representatives is expected to introduce sweeping reforms across Antigua and Barbuda’s justice system, public safety architecture, healthcare regulation and international cooperation frameworks.
Cabinet has welcomed the agenda scheduled for presentation on Monday, 16 June 2026, describing the package of bills as a significant step in the Government’s ongoing effort to modernise national laws and strengthen institutional governance.
Among the key measures to be introduced for first reading is the Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which is expected to update regulatory provisions governing one of the country’s most important revenue-generating programmes.
Also on the agenda is the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026, alongside the Theft Bill, both aimed at strengthening criminal law provisions and enhancing protections for citizens while improving enforcement mechanisms within the justice system.
Legal reform will be further advanced through the Voluntary Bill of Indictment Bill and the Plea Negotiations and Agreement Bill, which are designed to streamline court processes, reduce case backlogs and improve efficiency in criminal proceedings.
Public safety and workplace protections are also set to feature prominently, with the introduction of the Workplace Violence and Harassment (Prevention) Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening safeguards for employees across both public and private sectors.
Healthcare reform will be addressed through the Mental Health Bill, 2026, and the Medical Laboratories Bill, 2026, both of which are expected to modernise regulatory standards and improve oversight within the health sector.
Cabinet also noted the continued advancement of several bills through later stages of debate, including the Fatal Accidents Bill, the Magistrates Code of Procedure (Amendment) Bill and the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill.
These reforms are expected to enhance judicial efficiency, strengthen digital crime enforcement capabilities and improve procedural fairness within the courts.
In addition, immigration and border security measures are progressing through Parliament, including the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill and the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill.
These initiatives are designed to align Antigua and Barbuda’s border management systems with international best practices while improving national security and data-sharing capabilities with global partners.
Cabinet also approved the ratification of several international agreements, including visa exemption arrangements for diplomatic and official passport holders with Kenya, Benin, Ghana, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates.
Officials said these agreements are intended to deepen diplomatic ties, facilitate business and tourism exchanges and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign relations strategy.
Further ratifications include amendments to the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reinforcing the country’s commitment to global labour standards, as well as updates to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which will support continued engagement within the international aviation sector.
Cabinet described the legislative package as a comprehensive reform effort aimed at modernising key areas of national governance while promoting economic development, social protection and stronger international integration.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to advancing laws that reflect contemporary realities and support long-term national development objectives.
