Jamaica in Talks With U.S. to Accept Third-Country Deportees Under New Migration Agreement

Jamaica is negotiating a new migration agreement with the United States that would allow the Caribbean nation to temporarily receive third-country migrants deported by U.S. authorities, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Security Minister Horace Chang.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chang confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that the proposed arrangement has not yet been finalized. He emphasized that the framework is currently a memorandum of understanding (MOU) rather than a legally binding agreement, highlighting Jamaica’s commitment to protecting human rights throughout the process.

The proposed deal comes as the Trump administration continues its large-scale deportation strategy, seeking partnerships with foreign governments willing to host migrants from other countries who are removed from the United States. Similar agreements have already been established with several nations, including El Salvador, which has hosted hundreds of deported Venezuelans in a high-security detention facility.

Under the terms currently being discussed, Jamaica would serve as a transit country for deportees rather than a long-term destination. The country would receive up to 25 migrants every two weeks while maintaining a maximum capacity of 10 individuals at any given time. These migrants would remain in Jamaica only temporarily while arrangements are made for their return to their home countries or transfer to another destination.

Chang noted that Jamaican officials reviewed similar migration and deportation agreements implemented by Belize, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis before entering negotiations with Washington. He said valuable lessons were learned from those regional experiences.

Reports from the Jamaica Gleaner suggested the agreement could involve as many as 10,000 deportees. However, Chang rejected those claims, stating that Jamaica has not committed to any such quota.

The Jamaican government also confirmed that the United States would cover all costs associated with the program, including transportation and logistical arrangements. Additionally, individuals with criminal backgrounds would not be accepted under the proposed agreement.

The U.S. State Department has not yet issued an official response regarding the ongoing negotiations.