Story perspectives

Guyana Receives 6 Deportees Under Trump’s Third-Country Program

9/6/2026

Summary

Guyana Accepts Deportees

Guyana received six Afghan and Cuban nationals deported from the United States on Friday.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said vetting found the group had no criminal records.
The UN International Organization for Migration will run the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme while the U.S. pays relocation costs.
Guyana joins over 30 countries in President Donald Trump’s third-country deportation program, which human-rights groups say may breach international law.

Summary

Ali Signs Deal

President Irfaan Ali framed the deal as reinforcing Guyana’s human-rights commitment and U.S. partnership.
The pact deepens cooperation in energy, trade, investment, security and diplomacy.
Guyana can reject any proposed migrant even after U.S. vetting.
IOM will link migrants to UNHCR for protection claims without assuming state admission duties.
The 12-month deal allows twelve migrants monthly, with IOM funding arrival and housing and the United States paying transfer costs.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, the United States launched the International Organization for Migration’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program for Afghan refugees, repatriating thousands. The Bush administration funded $150 million, enabling IOM to assist roughly 30,000 Afghans and coordinate with UNHCR for protection assessments. Today, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and President Irfaan Ali echo that model, accepting twelve migrants monthly under a U.S.-funded third-country deportation pact. The precedent suggests expanding third-country transfers could reshape regional migration flows, prompting scrutiny of international law compliance and future diplomatic negotiations.

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Guyana Accepts Deportees

Guyana received six Afghan and Cuban nationals deported from the United States on Friday.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said vetting found the group had no criminal records.
The UN International Organization for Migration will run the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme while the U.S. pays relocation costs.
Guyana joins over 30 countries in President Donald Trump’s third-country deportation program, which human-rights groups say may breach international law.

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