Migration, environment, disaster and climate change data in the Eastern Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda country analysis

This study assesses the national and regional data systems on migration, environment, disasters and climate change in Antigua and Barbuda. The study is part of a series entitled "Migration, Environment, Disaster and Climate Change Data in the Eastern Caribbean" which is based on a regional study assessing the national and regional data systems on migration, environment, disasters and climate change across the Eastern Caribbean. The set of reports includes one Regional Overview and six National Analyses, and they are meant to assist the governments of the Eastern Caribbean in the governance of human mobility related to environmental change, through improved evidence and regional cooperation.

This report highlights the main gaps and limitations that hamper the availability of timely and reliable data on environmental migration across the distinct national agencies. Within the context of the Department of Immigration, a major gap identified relates to the lack of provision or specific questions on climate and environmental factors as precursors for movement in the Customs Declaration Form, which it deploys at various ports of entry/departure to capture data. Based on the gaps and limitations identified, recommendations and proposed guidelines are outlined to enhance the collection, effective management, and accessibility of data on climate- and disaster-related human mobility in Antigua and Barbuda. The proposition is also for the integration of queries about climate and environmental risks and migration into the respective questionnaires for all upcoming national censuses.