**Saint Lucia to Receive First Group of Third‑Country Nationals This Week**
*Saint Lucia – August 2026* – The government of Saint Lucia announced that the island will welcome its first group of third‑country nationals arriving from the United States later this week. The new arrangement, which the authorities say could admit up to ten individuals every three months, is part of a broader effort to diversify the island’s labor force.
The initial cohort consists of six people – five men and one woman. While the specific occupations of the arrivals have not been disclosed, officials indicated that the program is intended to address skill shortages in certain sectors.
The Minister for External Affairs confirmed the launch of the scheme, noting that the government aims to “facilitate a controlled and sustainable flow of foreign workers to support our economic development.” (Statement paraphrased from the minister’s remarks reported by the St. Lucia Times.)
The program, described by the Ministry of External Affairs as a “third‑country national” initiative, will operate under a quota system that limits admissions to a maximum of ten individuals per three‑month period. The government has not released further details regarding eligibility criteria, duration of stay, or the rights and responsibilities of the participants.
The announcement was reported by the *St. Lucia Times* on August 2026. No additional comments were provided by the arriving nationals or other government officials at this time.
Article source: stluciatimes.com | Image credit: St. Lucia Times
