Opposition Leader Mia Mottley has expressed reservations about the government's decision to provide an amnesty for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals who have been living in Barbados illegally.

"It does not take into account the reality that all who may not benefit from an amnesty have, under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the right to go and establish a business and, therefore, can remain in Barbados if they want to do so, without having to apply for immigrant status, and that is the reality of our regional integration movement," Mottley said in Parliament on Tuesday.

Prime Minister David Thompson had announced the amnesty, while reiterating his administration's commitment to the regional integration process.

Wrong message

Under the provisions of the amnesty, which begins on June 1, CARICOM nationals who have been residing in Barbados for eight or more years prior to December 31, 2005, will have six months to get their status regularised.

But Mottley said that while the government might be acting within the provisions of the law, the wrong message could be sent to other countries in the region.