Guyana enters agreement with U.S. to host selected migrants

The government of Guyana has entered into an agreement with the United States to temporarily host selected migrants who have no criminal record. Under the pact, individuals chosen by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme (RVA) will be received in Guyana.

The United States will cover all costs associated with the process, while the IOM will manage housing and support services. President Irfaan Ali stated that Guyana will not bear any financial responsibility for the program. The arrangement is temporary, and participants may eventually be returned to their countries of origin or relocated to another destination of their choice.

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has criticized the decision, describing the unpublished agreement as troubling. The GHRA expressed concerns regarding the methods used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and argued that the collaboration may breach the Constitution of Guyana as well as national and international human rights laws. The association noted that Guyana has already received several deported nationals, including individuals from Cuba and Afghanistan, under previous arrangements.