Foreigners and non-residents living in Guyana will be issued residency cards as part of a new national biometric identification system aimed at enhancing border control, national security, and access to public services.
This announcement was made by General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who said the residency cards will feature biometric data and the same security measures as those issued to Guyanese citizens. The new system is being developed in collaboration with international partners from the United Arab Emirates and Germany, and is expected to be implemented within a year.
“Employers will be required to ensure that all non-citizens in their workforce are in possession of valid residency cards,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “This will allow us to know, at any given time, how many non-Guyanese are residing in the country, and where.”
The biometric-based national ID cards will be issued to all Guyanese citizens and used for identification at ports of entry, opening bank accounts, and accessing government services.
“This will be a modern, high-security card that will place Guyana among the most advanced nations in terms of identity management,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
The new ID system will be supported by the installation of 3,000 to 4,000 surveillance cameras across the country, creating a comprehensive national security infrastructure with real-time monitoring capabilities.
Dr. Jagdeo also addressed public concerns about the growing presence of foreign nationals, particularly amid increased migration from Venezuela. He cautioned citizens against making assumptions based on appearance and reminded them that, under Guyana’s Constitution, persons of Chinese, Indian, African, or other heritage born to Guyanese parents or grandparents are entitled to citizenship.
“This is enshrined in our supreme law and must be respected,” he said.
While reaffirming the government’s focus on security, Dr. Jagdeo said it would not come at the expense of human dignity. “We will remain firm and vigilant, but also fair. Guyana has a proud history of seeking refuge in other nations, and we must treat those within our borders with the same dignity we expect abroad.”
