Guyana has agreed to receive migrants leaving the United States,even though they are neither Guyanese citizens nor being returned to their home countries.
On Saturday, the government announced the conclusion of a migration cooperation framework with Washington, under which a “limited, vetted number” of skilled, non-criminal individuals will be temporarily relocated to Guyana.
In a statement, the government stressed that participation will be voluntary and that Guyana can review and reject anyone proposed for relocation. It said the United States will cover the full cost of the relocation process.
The International Organization for Migration will implement the programme and cover the cost of receiving, housing and supporting the migrants while they are in Guyana. Assistance is expected to include integration services and access to private communication with relatives and legal representatives.
According to the government, Guyanese taxpayers will not bear the programme’s financial cost.
However, the statement did not disclose how many people Guyana may accept, when arrivals will begin, or where they will be accommodated.
The government also stopped short of outlining how long participants could remain in Guyana or what restrictions may apply while their immigration cases are being determined.
It insisted that the arrangement does not amount to permanent resettlement.
Those transferred to Guyana will remain here while awaiting a decision on their immigration status. Depending on that outcome, they may return to their country of origin or relocate to another country of their choosing.
The government said participants will retain the right to seek international protection where applicable. The migration agency will refer potential cases to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in coordination with Guyanese authorities.
While international organisations will provide operational and financial support, responsibility for admission, legal status, protection and removal will remain with the Government of Guyana.
The Ali administration presented the agreement as an extension of Guyana’s human-rights commitments and its growing partnership with the United States.
It said the programme will be implemented in keeping with Guyana’s laws, international obligations and national development priorities.
