Guyana and the United States have finalised a migration cooperation framework.
The framework allows Guyana to receive a limited, vetted number of skilled and non‑criminal individuals through the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. Only individuals who have chosen relocation to Guyana of their own volition will be accepted. Those relocated will await the outcome of their immigration status determination while in Guyana and, depending on that outcome, will either return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere of their choosing. Their presence in Guyana is governed by a set of pre‑defined terms rather than open‑ended residency. Individuals relocated will retain the right to seek international protection where applicable.
Guyana retains full discretion to review and reject any individual proposed for relocation. The United States will bear the full cost of the relocation process, and the Government of Guyana will not bear the financial cost of the programme. IOM will be responsible for the operational implementation of the programme and will cover the costs of receiving, housing and supporting individuals relocated to Guyana. IOM will provide integration services, including access to communication with legal representatives and family members. IOM will support the referral of cases requiring international protection to UNHCR in coordination with the relevant Guyanese authorities, and it has confirmed it will not assume any of the Government’s responsibilities concerning admission, legal stay, protection or removal. The Government has confirmed regular, effective and sufficiently private access to communication with legal representatives and family members.
The arrangement is temporary in nature and does not constitute permanent resettlement. President Irfaan Ali’s Government has framed the arrangement as an extension of Guyana’s longstanding commitment to human rights and international cooperation. The Government of Guyana will continue to work closely with IOM, UNHCR and relevant domestic stakeholders to ensure the framework is implemented in a manner consistent with Guyana’s laws, its human rights obligations and its national development priorities.
