Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has raised concerns over Jamaica’s agreement with the United States to accept third-country nationals for temporary accommodation, warning that the arrangement could expose the country to human rights and legal risks without stronger safeguards.

The advocacy group said that while the Government has outlined assurances, including that only non-criminals will be transferred, stays will be temporary, and Jamaica retains the right to refuse arrivals, these measures are insufficient without “robust, transparent, and independently verifiable safeguards.”

JFJ cautioned that Jamaica could still be in breach of its international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Convention Against Torture if proper screening mechanisms are not in place to prevent refoulement or chain refoulement.