Jamaica Prepares to Receive First Third-Country Nationals Under US Transit Agreement

The PNP is urging the Government to table its Third Country Nationals agreement with the United States in Parliament before the first arrivals are sent to Jamaica. It says Jamaicans need to see the full deal, including security, housing, costs and legal liabilities, amid concerns over a “transit arrangement” the Government has said will bring up to 25 people every two weeks.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said Jamaica’s deal with the United States to receive third-country nationals protects national interests and follows local and international law. She said the International Organization for Migration will handle care and return, with Jamaica landing and transferring up to 25 people every two weeks and pausing the programme if 10 seek asylum.

The Opposition PNP is urging the Government to table in Parliament the full US third-country nationals arrangement before any arrivals begin, including the MOU, transfer schedule and security plan. It says Jamaicans have not been told where people will be housed, who will monitor them or how costs, legal risks and contingency measures will be handled. The party says the matter affects national security, transparency and Jamaica’s international obligations.

Jamaica is set to receive its first flight of up to 25 third-country nationals under a transit arrangement with the United States, government officials said. The deal limits arrivals to 25 every two weeks and bars anyone with a criminal record, but key details, including arrival date and where the migrants will stay or go next, have not been disclosed.

Jamaica is expected to receive its first group of third-country nationals today under a controversial agreement with the United States, with up to 25 asylum seekers per fortnight transiting the island while their cases are resolved. The Government says the programme is temporary, not taxpayer-funded, and backed by the International Organization for Migration, but it has drawn criticism from the Opposition.

Jamaica says the first flight of third-country nationals transiting through the country is expected soon, after it and the United States finalised operating procedures for the arrangement. The programme is limited to 25 people per fortnight, excludes anyone with criminal antecedents, will not be funded by Jamaica, and can be suspended if 10 people seek asylum or other humanitarian relief.

Jamaica says the first flight carrying third-country nationals under its transit agreement with the United States is expected soon, after the International Organization for Migration agreed to provide support services. The programme will cap arrivals at 25 every two weeks, bar people with criminal records, and can be suspended if 10 applicants seek asylum or other protection in Jamaica.