Jamaica and the United States are expected to begin negotiations on a proposed agreement that could see the island accept non-Jamaican nationals deported from the US under a third-country transfer arrangement.
According to a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlined in a document from the US Embassy in Kingston, the United States would be permitted to transfer up to 25 foreign nationals to Jamaica every two weeks under a case-by-case process. The arrangement could potentially involve thousands of individuals over time, though no specific duration has been outlined.
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Under the proposed framework, the US would submit transfer requests to the Jamaican government, which would retain the discretion to approve or reject each case. The agreement would exclude Jamaican nationals, unaccompanied minors, and individuals convicted of serious criminal offences, except those involving violations of US immigration laws.
Before any transfer takes place, Jamaican authorities would receive available biographical, medical and criminal information relating to each proposed deportee. The document also states that both countries intend to act in accordance with their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and other international legal commitments.
The proposal comes amid increased scrutiny of third-country deportation agreements following the 2025 case of Jamaican national Orville Etoria, who was deported by US authorities to the African nation of Eswatini despite having no connection to the country. He was eventually returned to Jamaica after international criticism and diplomatic intervention.
The draft agreement specifies that deportees would arrive through Norman Manley International Airport, accompanied by personnel from the US Department of Homeland Security. The US would provide Jamaican authorities with a flight manifest at least 72 hours before each transfer, and Jamaica would be expected to respond within 36 hours regarding approved cases.
A safeguard within the proposal would temporarily halt additional transfers if 10 or more deportees remain in Jamaica for more than 30 days. However, Jamaica would retain the option to accept larger numbers if it chooses.
While the MOU does not create any legally binding financial obligations, the United States has indicated it may use available foreign assistance funding to support the initiative and pay international organizations that provide services to transferred individuals.
The proposed agreement states that its objective is to discourage unlawful migration, prevent abuse of legal migration systems and address the challenges associated with irregular cross-border movement.
The United States has pursued similar third-country arrangements with more than 30 countries worldwide. Several Caribbean nations, including Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia, are reported to have signed agreements or implemented similar operational frameworks.
Either Jamaica or the United States would be able to terminate the arrangement at any time with 90 days’ written notice through diplomatic channels.
