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POPULATION

93.8k

CURRENCY

$ (XCD)

CAPITAL CITY

St. John's

Overview

Antigua and Barbuda, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture. With its idyllic scenery and warm hospitality, Antigua and Barbuda attracts tourists from around the world seeking relaxation and adventure.

The country's economy is primarily driven by tourism, offshore banking, and agriculture, with efforts focused on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and economic diversification. Antigua and Barbuda's strategic location and natural beauty make it a desirable destination for investment and leisure.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this content. It is not legal advice and shall not be relied on as such.

Local Employment Regulations

Last updated on March, 22nd, 2023

Employment Contracts

Employers must provide employees in Antigua & Barbuda with an employment contract within 10 days of the start of employment that includes the job duties and responsibilities, work hours, salary details, vacation and other leave benefits and probation period (if applicable). Employment contracts can be for a fixed period or indefinite. If the employment contract is for a fixed duration, the end date should be included in the employment contract.

Working Hours

The standard workweek in Antigua & Barbuda is 48 hours or eight hours per day over six days. Overtime is typically 150% of the basic wage for the first four hours over normal work hours and double the basic wage for hours over that. Employees receive at least 24 hours of consecutive rest in a period of seven days in a row. Special rules apply to younger workers.

Public Holidays

In Antigua & Barbuda, the public holidays are:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Good Friday

  • Easter Monday

  • Labor Day

  • Whit Monday

  • Carnival Monday

  • Carnival Tuesday

  • Independence Day

  • V. C. Bird Day

  • Christmas Day

  • Boxing Day

Employment Termination/Severance

Employers in Antigua & Barbuda need just cause to dismiss an employee, which can include employee misconduct, poor performance or economic reasons. Notice of termination generally is required except in a limited set of circumstances. The notice period is one month. Employees receive one day of severance per month of service after they have 12 months of service.

Compensation

Bonuses based on performance are common in Antigua & Barbuda but not required. Employees are also entitled to a basic minimum wage.

Population 93.8k

Population in total, including all residents regardless of legal status © 2024 - WBG • EUROSTAT

24.3%

Urban Population

77.6%

Internet access

100%

Mobile phone access

DATA SOURCES

Population: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), uri: https://population.un.org/wpp/, publisher: UN Population Division; Statistical databases and publications from national statistical offices, National Statistical Offices, uri: https://unstats.un.org/home/nso_sites/, publisher: National Statistical Offices; Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, Eurostat (ESTAT), uri: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database?node_code=earn_ses_monthly, publisher: Eurostat; Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), United Nations (UN), uri: https://unstats.un.org, publisher: UN Statistics Division

Urban Population: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Urbanization Prospects, United Nations (UN), uri: https://population.un.org/wup/, publisher: UN Population Division

Internet access: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database, ITU (ITU), uri: https://datahub.itu.int/

Mobile phone access: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database, ITU (ITU)

Social Protection & Benefits

Last updated on March, 22nd, 2023

Vacation Leave

Employees receive up to 12 days of paid annual leave in Antigua & Barbuda. Both the employer and employee must agree on the vacation date and vacations are paid in advance.

Sick Leave

Eligible employees in Antigua & Barbuda receive paid sick leave after the third day of illness for up to 26 weeks. Sick leave can be extended to 39 weeks with a doctor’s certificate. Employees may be able to receive a percentage of salary while on leave if they meet certain requirements.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Female employees receive between six and 13 weeks of paid maternity leave in Antigua & Barbuda, as well as a maternity grant. Employees on maternity leave will earn a percentage of their average weekly earnings. The maternity grant is a one-time payment for each child delivered. There is no statutory paternity leave.

Health Insurance Benefits

Most employers offer private healthcare insurance in Antigua & Barbuda.

Unemployment

Share of the labor force that is unemployed, but available for and seeking employment © - WBG • ILO

76%

Healthcare access

DATA SOURCES

Unemployment: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO Modelled Estimates database (ILOEST), ILO (ILO), uri: https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/bulk/, publisher: ILOSTAT, type: external database, date accessed: January 07, 2025.

Labor force (total): The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO (ILO), type: estimates based on external database; United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division; Staff estimates, WBG (WB)

Healthcare access: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • GHO, WHO (WHO), uri: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/service-coverage

         

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