The Jamaican government says two of its citizens recently deported by the United States to Eswatini have refused offers to return to Jamaica.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said officials contacted the men through the Jamaican Consulate in Miami and a legal adviser representing them. The government also confirmed that it is still trying to reach a third Jamaican citizen who was deported to Eswatini.

According to the Ministry, officials informed the two men that Jamaica was ready to help them return home. However, both men said they did not want to be repatriated.

The Ministry also explained that it could not determine the men’s immigration status in the United States or arrange for them to return there.

Jamaican officials began their outreach after making diplomatic inquiries with US authorities in Washington. The government also contacted Eswatini through Jamaica’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria, South Africa.

The United States has faced criticism over its policy of sending some deportees to third countries, including Eswatini. Lawyers and human rights groups have questioned the practice and raised concerns about the treatment of those affected.

Eswatini is a small kingdom in southern Africa that borders South Africa. The country’s king holds absolute power and has faced criticism over his response to pro-democracy movements.

The report also recalled the case of Orville Etoria, the first Jamaican deported to Eswatini under the programme. He returned to Jamaica last September with assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Etoria’s lawyers claimed the United States deported him unlawfully to Eswatini in July 2025. They also alleged that authorities repeatedly denied him and others access to legal representation.