Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have sought to reassure citizens that proposed agreements with the United States on the transit of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are not intended to allow migrants to settle in member states, but rather to facilitate their return to their home countries.

The clarification came in a statement issued after the Conference of Heads of Government met in caucus to discuss several issues affecting the region, including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) proposed by the United States to individual CARICOM member states.

The regional leaders acknowledged concerns about the ability of small Caribbean countries to manage the transit of third-country nationals. However, they stressed that every effort would be made to ensure that any transit arrangements do not compromise regional security or divert resources and essential services away from citizens.