Dominica and the Untied States of America has reached an agreement for the island to facilitate the transfer of third-country refugees and deportees, who are unable to return to their home countries. 

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced the development at a media conference on January 5.

He said the agreement comes amid continued dialogue following a December 16 proclamation by the United States announcing partial visa restrictions on Dominica passport holders due to security concerns associated with its citizen by investment program.

“The United States and the Commonwealth  of Dominica has entered into an agreement to facilitate third-country refugees to be sent to Dominica to mitigate scenarios where the United States cannot return these individuals to their state of birth or origin, Skerrit said.

The prime minister said in discussions with the US State Department “there have been careful deliberations of the need to avoid receiving violent individuals or individuals who will compromise the security of Dominica.”

“This has been acknowledged and well received by the State Department,” he added.

Skerrit said the engagement reflects the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between the two countries and finding areas of agreement and compromise.

He said the discussions are guided by the government’s responsibility to protect the well-being of Dominicans, including safeguarding access to lawful travel, education, employment and family connections, while also strengthening cooperation between the two governments.

Skerrit added that the agreement is expected to further deepen the long-standing relationship between Dominica and the United States and signals that Dominica remains a willing and reliable partner of the US in the region.

There was no word from Skerrit on how many people would be coming to Dominica, which has a population of roughly 72,000, or how the program would be funded.

Dominica is not the only Caribbean country in discussions with the US to accept third country nationals.

Antigua and Barbuda announced it had begun discussions with the US but had not signed any agreement.

Like Dominica, Antigua said it was not willing to accept anyone who poses a threat to the twin island nation.

In a statement, Antigua and Barbuda said if any deal was signed, at most country was willing to accept 10 people per year.