GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana has reached an agreement with the United States to accept a limited number of third-country nationals deported from the US, with the individuals to be vetted and selected under an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) programme.
The Guyanese Government announced the agreement on September 5, saying it will accept individuals who are skilled, have no criminal background and voluntarily choose to relocate to Guyana through the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Programme.
Guyana will retain full discretion to review and reject any individual proposed for relocation. Local media reported Guyana accepted six persons- Afghans and Cubans-on Friday.
The United States will cover the full cost of the relocation process, while the Guyanese Government said it will not bear any financial costs associated with the programme.
The government also said IOM will not assume any responsibilities belonging to Guyana regarding the admission, legal stay, protection or removal of relocated individuals.
Under the arrangement, individuals relocated to Guyana will retain the right to seek international protection where applicable. IOM will support referrals to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in coordination with relevant Guyanese authorities.
The government said those relocated will also have regular, effective and sufficiently private access to communication with legal representatives and family members.
Guyana described the arrangement as an extension of its commitment to human rights and international cooperation, while also highlighting its growing partnership with the United States in areas including energy, trade, investment, security and diplomatic cooperation.
The government said the agreement reflects the “strength and maturity” of the bilateral relationship and Guyana’s position as a trusted partner to the United States in the region.
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