KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica will allow up to 25 Third Country Nationals transferred from the US to transit through the island every two weeks under a new MOU signed June 10, Deputy PM and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang announced Wednesday.
Key details:
Not permanent migration: TCNs will transit to final destinations, including home countries. Max 25 in Jamaica at any time.
US pays: America covers costs for their initial stay.
Jamaica can refuse: Health screening, ID checks, criminal record checks, and NIB clearance required. No one with criminal history accepted.
Asylum option: Those who stay must apply through the courts. If denied, they’re sent home.
Start date pending: No arrivals until operational guidelines, safeguards, and IOM-secured housing are finalized.
“Both parties can terminate the entire agreement without long-term notice,” Dr. Chang said. The deal stays in place as long as needed.
