Senior Guyana Government officials have confirmed that Guyana is in advanced discussions with the US Government about an agreement that could see Guyana accepting third country deportees and refugees from the United States. Third country deportees and refugees would refer to those persons being deported by the US to a country other than their own home country.

News Source has confirmed that the discussions have been ongoing for months and there was a pause in August ahead of Guyana’s national elections, with a promise for the discussions to resume after the elections. The discussions have resumed, and the two sides are now hammering out an agreement that could be signed within the coming weeks.

According to sources, Guyana will have the right under the agreement to refuse any person or group of persons identified for deportation from the US. Additionally, the source said Guyana has already made it clear that its preference is for skilled persons who are without a criminal background.

The agreement is expected to see the United States bearing all of the costs associated with the relocation of those being deported and those who were seeking refugee status in the US but were denied and do not want to be returned to their home country.

A senior Government official said the discussions on the agreement are progressing and will continue.

In February 2025, News Source reported that Guyana was inching towards accepting third country nationals after CBS News reported that Guyana was among countries in talks with the US on the issue.

At the time, President Irfaan Ali stated that while there have been discussions on migration matters with the US Secretary of State, there was no talk about having third country deportees sent to Guyana.

Two other CARICOM nations, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, announced late last week that they have both reached an agreement with the US to accept third country deportees.

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