Government reopens Immigration Department

The Antigua and Barbuda government has reopened its Temporary Residence Division of the Immigration Department.



The division was closed for more than two weeks to facilitate a probe into its operation.



The authorities said the investigation followed the discovery that a group of non-nationals was granted temporary residency for five years, four times more than what is lawfully required.



The government in St. John\'s said the Immigration Department\'s Temporary Residence Division would now operate under new guidelines.



Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer who holds the immigration portfolio, said only new applicants who satisfy the legally required three year residential qualification will be considered.