…caps transfers at 7 every three months
(Kaieteur News) – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected any open-ended arrangement for receiving third-country nationals deported from the United States, proposing instead strict limits and safeguards, including a maximum of seven people every three months.
The Antigua and Barbuda Government on Monday publicly released the proposal submitted by the United States on the possible transfer of third-country nationals removed from US territory, along with its own counter-proposal.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin.
The documents are also to be tabled in the House of Representatives by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin. The Government stressed that no agreement has been concluded, with the US document remaining a proposal and Antigua and Barbuda’s position a counter-proposal as negotiations continue.
The proposed arrangement forms part of a wider US initiative involving countries in several regions, including CARICOM member states. While some Caribbean countries have already entered into arrangements with Washington, others are still considering US proposals.
Antigua and Barbuda said it is assessing whether it can cooperate with the United States while protecting its sovereignty, national security, laws, public finances and other national interests. Under the counter-proposal, no person could be transferred to Antigua without the Government’s prior express written approval.
The proposed ceiling of seven persons over any three-month period is explicitly described as a limit rather than a quota or obligation. The Government is also demanding stringent screening of each proposed deportee, including criminal and security checks, health assessments, immigration history, protection claims and verification of valid travel documents.
Each individual must also be informed that Antigua and Barbuda is the destination, understand that the arrangement is temporary and provide written confirmation of willingness to be transferred. Any person admitted would remain subject to Antiguan law during their temporary stay.
The Government is further insisting that Antiguan taxpayers must not be left to shoulder the costs associated with receiving and maintaining the transferred persons. Financial and operational arrangements must therefore be agreed before any transfer takes place. There must also be arrangements for the person’s lawful return or onward placement when the temporary stay ends.
Importantly, Antigua and Barbuda is reserving the right to suspend further transfers if concerns arise over national security, public order, public health, capacity, finances or other serious matters.
The counter-proposal also contemplates a possible role for the International Organization for Migration, subject to its requirements and an appropriate agreement with the Antiguan Government.
The Government emphasised that the final decision on whether to accept any individual would remain with Antigua and Barbuda. “The sovereign decision whether to accept or refuse any person proposed for transfer will remain with Antigua and Barbuda in every individual case,” the Government said.
While describing its relationship with Washington as longstanding and important, Antigua and Barbuda said any cooperation must be consistent with its laws, limited capacity and national interest, while ensuring that transferred persons are treated with dignity and in accordance with applicable law.
The publication of the two documents, the Government said, is intended to demonstrate transparency and ensure that Parliament and the public remain informed as negotiations with Washington continue.
Source: Kaieteur News
