President Irfaan Ali has assured that Guyana will have the final say on which third-country nationals or deportees can enter the country under its “understanding” with the United States.
“The Government of Guyana retains complete discretion to approve or deny individuals proposed for removal. Let’s make that very clear,” Ali said.
Under the “understanding,” Ali said only third-country nationals with expedited or final orders of removal and medical authorisation to travel from the US Department of Homeland Security would be eligible for removal to Guyana.
The President said several categories of persons would not be eligible, including unaccompanied children under the age of 18, Guyanese nationals, individuals with pending asylum claims in the United States and individuals with violent criminal records, “to the extent known to the government of United States.”
Ali also rejected claims circulating on social media that third-country nationals could simply be placed on a plane and sent to Guyana.
“And people just can’t arrive on a plane as is being portrayed on social media. The United States must provide Guyana with the final flight manifest before the transfer, and homeland must accompany persons.”
According to Ali, the United States must provide details on each proposed transferee, including criminal history where applicable and health screening results, while Guyana would conduct its own health, security and other assessments within a specified timeframe.
Ali further said Guyana’s acceptance of third-country nationals would be dependent on financial and technical support from the United States to assist with their settlement and integration.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was identified as a suitable organisation to assist with implementation, with Ali saying IOM has received funding to assist with the process.
He said IOM would support third-country nationals through assisted voluntary return, including counselling individuals and educating them about their options and right to return to their country of origin.
Those who choose to return would receive temporary support including accommodation, food, clothing and household items.
Ali stressed that neither Guyana nor IOM would facilitate forced removals.
