President Dr Irfaan Ali said Guyana has finalised a one-year migration cooperation framework with the United States Government that leaves the country full discretion over which individuals it accepts.
Ali confirmed the arrangement in a wide-ranging interview with Al Jazeera.
The framework, carried out through the International Organization for Migration's Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, saw its first cohort of individuals arrive in Guyana on September 4. Guyanese authorities vetted all of them and confirmed none had criminal records before they were accepted.
Ali said the arrangement does not compromise Guyana's sovereignty.
Asked whether Guyana retains the right to refuse individuals, he said: "We can reject. We can say that we are not accepting this. That has not been taken away. The agreement is one in which Guyana has full control over what we accept."
On the vetting process, Ali said: "We do our vetting to our own satisfaction, and then we agree with the names. This is not a situation where the US turns up with a plane and just throw people off on our shores."
Under the framework, the United States Government bears the full financial cost of relocation, while the IOM funds and manages reception, housing, healthcare access and other support services for the duration of individuals' stay.
The Government has said the arrangement does not constitute permanent resettlement. Those relocated will remain in Guyana only while their immigration status is determined, after which they may return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere. (Reworked from DPI)