Pres. Ali rejects claims of unapproved deportees arriving

September 15 2026

President Dr Irfaan Ali has made clear that third-country nationals being removed from the United States cannot simply arrive in Guyana without prior approval from the government.

Addressing concerns about the Guyana-US arrangement on Monday at a press conference, President Ali said Guyana retains full discretion to assess and either accept or reject individuals proposed for transfer.

“People just can’t arrive on a plane, as is being portrayed on social media,” the President said.

Under the arrangement, only individuals with a final US removal order and medical clearance to travel would be eligible for consideration. Unaccompanied children under 18, Guyanese nationals, persons with pending US asylum claims and individuals with known violent criminal records are excluded.

The US must provide Guyana with information on proposed transferees, including criminal and health-screening records where applicable. Guyana would then conduct its own health, security and other assessments before making a decision.

The final flight manifest must also be provided to Guyana, while approved transferees must be accompanied by US Department of Homeland Security personnel.

Guyana reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who was not previously approved.

The arrangement is expected to include US financial and technical support for resettlement and integration, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) identified to assist with implementation and voluntary return options.

President Ali said the government’s position is that any transfers must be orderly, transparent and consistent with Guyana’s national interests and established criteria.