Guyana has reached an agreement with the United States to temporarily receive a limited number of vetted migrants under a framework that the government says will come at no financial cost to the country.
According to a government statement, those accepted must have no criminal record, possess skills and voluntarily choose Guyana as their temporary destination.
The arrangement will be implemented through the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme following more than a year of discussions between Guyana and the US.
Importantly, Guyana will have the authority to assess each person proposed under the programme and can reject any individual it does not wish to admit.
The United States will cover the full cost of the arrangement, while the IOM will be responsible for receiving, accommodating and providing support services to those who arrive.
The government said Guyana will not be required to finance the programme, while its existing authority and responsibilities regarding admission, legal status, protection and removal will remain unchanged.
The arrangement is not intended to provide permanent resettlement in Guyana.
Instead, those admitted will remain here under established conditions while their immigration status is determined. They will subsequently be expected to return to their country of origin or move to another destination of their choice.
Persons who wish to seek international protection will retain that right. The IOM is expected to assist in referring such cases to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in coordination with local authorities.
The framework also provides for those relocated to have access to legal representatives and communication with family members.
Government said the agreement reflects Guyana’s human rights commitments and its expanding relationship with the United States, which includes cooperation in security, energy, trade, investment and diplomacy.
It added that it will work with the IOM, UNHCR and local stakeholders to ensure the arrangement is carried out in keeping with Guyana’s laws, human rights obligations and national development priorities.
