Caribbean nations negotiate U.S. migrant relocation agreements

Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are engaging in negotiations with the United States regarding the reception of third-country nationals removed from the U.S.

Jamaica has finalized operational procedures for a bilateral agreement that will see a maximum of 25 migrants from third countries arrive in the country every two weeks. Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith stated that the agreement includes safeguards to respect the nation's capacity and ensures safe, orderly, and legal migration. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will provide essential services, such as healthcare and counseling, and will manage the eventual return of these individuals. The agreement may be suspended if migrants apply for asylum or other humanitarian protections.

Similarly, Antigua and Barbuda is set to resume discussions with the U.S. government concerning the possible reception of a limited number of removed nationals. Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders noted that any arrangement would be subject to a parliamentary framework established earlier this year. This framework preserves the country's sovereign authority to approve or reject individuals on a case-by-case basis and requires established legal, financial, and administrative arrangements before any transfers occur. No final agreement has been reached, and no transfers have been authorized.