22 Third Country Nationals Placed Under IOM Care Following Arrival in Jamaica

Jamaica’s agreement with the United States to temporarily accommodate Third Country Nationals (TCNs) includes a provision allowing the programme to be suspended if 10 individuals seek to remain in the country through asylum applications or other humanitarian procedures.

The arrangement also limits the number of arrivals to 25 every two weeks and prohibits individuals with criminal records from participating. The Jamaican Government is not responsible for financing the programme.

These details form part of the framework governing the reception of 22 TCNs who entered Jamaica on Tuesday, October 13.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr. Horace Chang, provided an update on their status during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House.

According to Chang, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has assumed responsibility for the group, which will remain in its care pending arrangements for repatriation to their respective countries of origin.

The individuals have also been issued visitor status by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Chang reported that the operation proceeded without incident, with the group transferred to accommodation selected by the IOM following the completion of immigration and other processing requirements.

He said the transfer of responsibility from the Government’s operational team to the international organisation was completed successfully.

The National Security Minister also sought to reassure the public that immigration and security safeguards were observed throughout the exercise, with consideration given to both the welfare of the individuals and the safety of Jamaicans.

The temporary reception programme stems from a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between Jamaica and the United States.

Under that agreement, Jamaica serves as a transit location for certain individuals being returned to their countries of origin. The IOM has been officially assigned to assist with their care and subsequent travel arrangements.

The 22 arrivals comprise 15 men and seven women who landed at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Before they were permitted to leave the aircraft, authorities carried out identity verification procedures.

Processing subsequently involved personnel from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Customs Agency, Ministry of Health and Wellness and PICA.

Interpreters were also present to facilitate communication between the foreign nationals and Jamaican officials.

Representatives of the Ministry of National Security and Peace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade additionally took part in the reception exercise.

The Government has indicated that further information will be provided as significant developments arise under the arrangement..

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