Guyana reaches migration agreement with US to receive vetted individuals
Key Points(5)
- Guyana has reached a migration cooperation agreement with the United States under which the South American country will temporarily receive a limited number of vetted, skilled and non-criminal individuals, the government announced.
- The individuals will be relocated through the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, with Guyana retaining the right to review and reject anyone proposed for relocation.
- According to the Guyanese government, the United States will cover the full cost of the relocation process, while IOM will be responsible for receiving, housing and supporting individuals during their stay in Guyana.
- The government said it would only accept people who voluntarily choose to relocate to Guyana.
- Under the framework, IOM will also provide integration-related services and ensure individuals have access to communication with legal representatives and family members.
Guyana has reached a migration cooperation agreement with the United States under which the South American country will temporarily receive a limited number of vetted, skilled and non-criminal individuals, the government announced.
The individuals will be relocated through the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, with Guyana retaining the right to review and reject anyone proposed for relocation.
According to the Guyanese government, the United States will cover the full cost of the relocation process, while IOM will be responsible for receiving, housing and supporting individuals during their stay in Guyana.
The government said it would only accept people who voluntarily choose to relocate to Guyana.
Under the framework, IOM will also provide integration-related services and ensure individuals have access to communication with legal representatives and family members. The Guyanese government said it will not bear the financial costs associated with the programme.
The arrangement is temporary and does not provide for permanent resettlement in Guyana.
Those relocated will remain in the country while awaiting a determination of their immigration status. Depending on the outcome, they will either return to their country of origin or relocate to another destination of their choosing, according to the government.
The agreement also provides for individuals to seek international protection where applicable. IOM will assist in referring such cases to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in coordination with Guyanese authorities.
President Irfaan Ali's administration described the agreement as an extension of Guyana's commitment to human rights and international cooperation.
The government said it would continue working with IOM, UNHCR and domestic stakeholders to ensure the programme complies with Guyanese law and the country's international human rights obligations.
The agreement comes amid expanding cooperation between Guyana and the United States in areas including energy, trade, investment, security and diplomacy.
