DPI, Guyana
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has clarified that Guyana retains full discretion over whether third-country nationals proposed for removal from the United States are allowed into our country, stressing that individuals cannot simply arrive in Guyana without prior approval.
The president made the clarification on Monday as he addressed concerns surrounding the understanding between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the United States concerning the removal and resettlement of third-country nationals.
President Ali said the arrangement has specific eligibility criteria and requires Guyana to assess individuals proposed for transfer.
“People just can’t arrive on a plane, as is being portrayed on social media,” the president said, explaining that the United States is required to provide Guyana with information on each proposed transferee before any transfer can take place.
Under the arrangement, only third-country nationals who have received a final order for removal and have been medically authorised to travel by the United States Department of Homeland Security are eligible to be considered for transfer.
However, certain categories of individuals are expressly excluded, including unaccompanied children under 18, Guyanese nationals, persons with pending asylum claims in the United States, and individuals with known violent criminal records.
The United States will also be required to provide Guyana with relevant details on proposed transferees, including criminal history, where applicable, and health-screening results.
Guyana would then conduct its own health, security and other assessments before deciding whether to approve or reject an individual.
“Guyana retains complete discretion to approve or deny individuals proposed for removal,” President Ali emphasised, adding that Guyana would also determine the number of persons it is prepared to accept and establish its own criteria.
He further explained that the final flight manifest must be provided to Guyana before any transfer and that people being transferred must be accompanied by United States Department of Homeland Security personnel.
Only individuals formally approved by the Government of Guyana would be permitted to enter the country, with Guyana reserving the right to refuse entry to anyone who was not previously approved.
The president said implementing the arrangement is intended to be a joint effort, with Guyana’s participation linked to financial and technical support from the United States to assist with the resettlement and integration of those accepted.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been identified as a suitable organisation to assist with the implementation process and has received funding to provide support.
President Ali said the IOM will also engage with third-country nationals on their options, including the possibility of returning voluntarily to their countries of origin.
Under the assisted voluntary return process, the IOM will counsel individuals and provide information about their rights and available options. Those who choose to return may receive temporary assistance, including accommodation, food, clothing and household items.
“Neither Guyana nor IOM will facilitate forced removals,” President Ali said.
He added that individuals accepted into the arrangement would retain the option of working with the IOM to return to their country of origin at any point.
The president said the government has sought to make the terms of the arrangement clear and transparent, dismissing suggestions that persons could be transferred to Guyana without the government’s knowledge or approval.
“Nothing is hidden here. Everything is made public,” President Ali said.
He reiterated that the agreement is governed by conditions established by both governments, with Guyana maintaining control over the approval process and the terms under which third-country nationals could be accepted.
The president said the government’s approach is to ensure that any implementation is orderly, transparent and consistent with Guyana’s national interests and established criteria.