Two opposition parties in Guyana have expressed concern following reports that the government is in discussions with the United States about accepting third-country nationals who are unable to return to their home countries.

In a statement, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) said it is troubled that such talks are reportedly taking place without consultation with the leader of the opposition, parliamentary scrutiny or debate in the National Assembly.

“Decisions with far-reaching national consequences must not be made behind closed doors,” WIN said, adding that the Guyanese public has not been given transparency on the issue.

The group questioned whether any public information exists on the background or character of individuals who could be brought to Guyana under a possible arrangement. 

It also rejected claims that such individuals may be “skilled,” arguing that many qualified Guyanese remain unemployed and that the development of local citizens is not being prioritised.

WIN also raised concerns about Guyana’s capacity to absorb additional migrants, noting that existing infrastructure is already under strain. 

The group cited the country’s acceptance of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, which it said has placed pressure on hospitals, schools, housing and other essential services.

“There has been no explanation of how these systems will cope with any additional influx,” the statement said.

Similar concerns were raised by the Forward Guyana Movement. 

In a statement, party leader Amanza Walton said that if the government believes such an agreement is in the national interest, it should publish the proposed terms and lay the matter before Parliament.

Walton said any agreement should be subjected to full analysis to assess its potential impact on Guyana.

Guyana is not the only Caribbean country reported to be in discussions with the United States on the issue. 

Dominica recently announced it has signed an agreement with the United States to accept third-country nationals.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed the agreement at a media conference on January five, saying discussions with the US State Department included careful consideration of security concerns.

“In our discussions with the State Department there has been careful deliberation of the need to avoid receiving violent individuals or individuals who will compromise the security of Dominica,” Skerrit said. “This has been acknowledged and well received by the State Department.”

Skerrit said the decision was “based on our responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of our people, particularly their access to lawful travel, education, employment and family connections, while strengthening cooperation between our governments.”

He did not provide details on how many people would be sent to Dominica or how the arrangement would be funded.

Antigua and Barbuda has also said it is exploring the issue. 

While no agreement has been signed, the government said it would only consider accepting properly vetted individuals and would limit participation to no more than 10 people per year.