Saint Lucia has improved its passport power ranking in the Henley Passport Index, with citizens enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145 countries.

In a further display of regional passport power, Saint Lucia now sits in sixth place regionally and 31st globally, moving up two spots. This marks a new high for Saint Lucia, which moved up its ranking seven spots since 2008.

Within the region, neighbouring territories, Grenada ranked eighth regionally and 33rd globally with access to 143 countries; Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked third regionally and 27th globally with access to 151 countries; while Antigua and Barbuda ranked fourth regionally and 28th globally with access to 150 countries.

Powerful passports attract high-end candidates willing to develop the socio-economic structure of a country. This means more quality employment across all of society from lawyers to gardeners, from architects to construction workers. It can all create enhanced infrastructure and sound business linkages for the people of accepting territories.

The need for greater visa-free access to promising destinations has grown steadily with the increase of global economies as individuals seek access to business, financial, career, and lifestyle opportunities on a global scale. This latest ranking shows that despite rising isolationist sentiment in some parts of the world, many countries remain committed to collaboration.