The government of Guyana said it began temporarily taking third‑country nationals from the United States under a new agreement.
The government reported that six third‑country nationals, identified as Afghans and Cubans, arrived in Guyana on Friday.
The government said the initial 12‑month agreement allows Guyana to take up to 12 persons each month and includes no monthly roll‑over of the number of persons.
The United States said it will fund the migrants through the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme of the International Organisation of Migration and will bear the full cost of the relocation process. The International Organisation of Migration said it will be responsible for the operational implementation of the programme and will cover the costs of receiving, housing and supporting the individuals relocated to Guyana.
The government of Guyana said it will not bear the financial cost of the programme. The International Organisation of Migration said it will not assume any of the government’s responsibilities concerning admission, legal stay, protection or removal.
President Irfaan Ali’s government said the arrangement extends Guyana’s longstanding commitment to human rights and international cooperation and that individuals relocated to Guyana must retain the right to seek international protection where applicable. The International Organisation of Migration said it will support the referral of protection cases to UNHCR. The government said it has confirmed regular, effective and sufficiently private access to communication with legal representatives and family members.
