(Antigua Sun) – The Immigration and the Labour Department through the Ministry of National Security are looking at several ways of tracking visitors to the island from the time they enter to when they are expected to leave.

The ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) spokesman, Winston Henry said this is part of the government’s efforts to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s border in the interest of national security.

“We have between 5,000 to 15,000 persons living in Antigua and their status needs to be regularised,” Henry told the Antigua Sun. “This is just using a figure but it can very well be a possibility and we need to do something about it.”

Henry also said that in a few weeks, the ministry would be releasing the details of a new immigration policy.

He went on to say they would be conducting background checks as part of the procedure of tracking illegal immigrants. “We want to make sure that we are operating and protecting the borders of Antigua and Barbuda,” Henry added.

He said the ministry would also join forces with the United States and Interpol to get background information on all immigrants arriving in Antigua and Barbuda.

Opposition Leader Lester Bird recently accused Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of operating a “clandestine” policy towards nationals of Caricom countries, particularly those from Guyana and Jamaica.

Bird claimed that he has received reports of Caricom nationals being forced to leave the country without first going through due process.

He stated that the UPP has been “victimising” Caricom nationals over the last five years, treating them “worse than cattle.” Bird called on the UPP to “cease” its “repressive” practice and to deal with Caricom nationals in a humane manner that has always been upheld by the society.