Jamaica, US finalise operating procedures related to TCNs

JAMAICA could soon receive its first batch of third-country nationals (TCNs) from the United States (US) as Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed that both governments have finalised operating procedures related to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed earlier this year.

Jamaica now joins 30 countries, including several members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which have similar arrangements with the US Government amid its ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.

“After internal consultations and thoughtful negotiations, both governments have now finalised operating procedures related to the MOU in order to settle the guard rails and parameters underpinning the agreement. The arrangements were also finalised, taking into account Jamaica’s capacity constraints and our belief in the principles of safe, orderly, and lawful migration,” said Johnson Smith, speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.