Guyana to Receive Migrants Under US Agreement

Guyana and the United States have reached a new agreement on migration cooperation. Under the framework, Guyana will receive a limited number of skilled and non-criminal individuals from the United States.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will manage the programme. The individuals must go through a vetting process before they can relocate to Guyana. They must also choose to move to Guyana voluntarily.

The Guyanese government will review each proposed individual. It has the power to reject anyone it does not wish to accept.

The United States will cover the full cost of the relocation process. The IOM will handle the costs linked to receiving, housing and supporting the individuals in Guyana.

The IOM will also provide support to help them while they are in the country. This support will include communication with legal representatives and family members.

Guyana said it will not pay for the programme. The government also made clear that the agreement does not give the IOM control over Guyana’s responsibilities.

Guyanese authorities will continue to handle matters involving admission, legal stay, protection and removal.

The government also said individuals in the programme will keep the right to seek international protection when applicable. The IOM will help make referrals to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) when needed. It will coordinate those referrals with the relevant Guyanese authorities.

The agreement does not create permanent resettlement. Instead, the government described the arrangement as temporary.

Individuals will remain in Guyana while authorities determine their immigration status. Once that process ends, they may return to their country of origin or move to another country of their choice.

Guyana said their stay will follow clear terms rather than provide open-ended residency.

The government described the agreement as another sign of the growing relationship between Guyana and the United States. The two countries have expanded cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, investment, security and diplomacy.

Guyana said it will continue working with the IOM, UNHCR and local stakeholders. The government wants the programme to follow Guyanese law, human rights obligations and the country’s national development priorities.