Dear Editor,
On Saturday, February 20, 2021, the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee convened for the first time to commence the formulation of Guyana’s Migration Policy, with the intention of presenting a draft policy to the Cabinet of Guyana. Nearly five years later, and regrettably, there has been minimal progress on this critically important national matter.
The Committee was co-chaired by the Honourable Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Honourable Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. At its inaugural consultation, representatives from several Government ministries, agencies, and United Nations bodies were present. Notably, the UN Resident Coordinator at the time commended Guyana for taking what was described as a bold and positive step toward developing a coherent migration framework. Since then, however, there appears to have been little continuity or tangible advancement, despite the rapid expansion in the foreign residents in Guyana.
While it is commendable that Guyana’s population is now projected to surpass one million persons, based on projections from the 2022 National Census, the more pressing issue is how the country is managing the growing foreign population. Official records indicate that over 88,000 foreign nationals—primarily Venezuelans and Cubans—entered Guyana through legal ports of entry. This figure does not account for those who may have entered irregularly and remain unregistered.
With well over 100,000 foreign nationals now living and working in Guyana (registered and unregistered), the absence of a comprehensive migration policy is increasingly concerning from a security perspective in particular. Such a policy need not be punitive or exclusionary; rather, it should ensure proper registration, lawful employment, tax compliance, and clear consequences for criminal activity including automatic deportation.
Foreign nationals who are willing to work, pay taxes (perhaps facilitated through the issuance of temporary Tax Identification Numbers), abide by the law, and integrate into society (including through mandatory English language instruction where necessary), should be welcomed. Guyana’s development trajectory suggests that a significantly larger population will be required to meet future economic and social needs. So there should not be any fear of foreigners once they come with the right attitude and right skillsets that we need.
Equally important is the issue of migrant quality and security. Guyana can benefit greatly from skilled migrants, including engineers, nurses, and technical professionals from Cuba and Venezuela. At the same time, the State has an obligation to protect its citizens who were there before the migrants came. Robust and consistent security screening, supported by reliable biometric data, is essential. The scale of population movement into Guyana is now too significant for estimation or guesswork on the part of the Government.
At previous engagements some five years ago, discussions reportedly focused on reducing duplication, improving coordination, addressing irregular border crossings, and strengthening migrant registration systems. However, these discussions must translate into action. The Government has a duty to ensure that accurate data and coherent policies guide decision-making in this rapidly evolving area. The PPP/C Government must present its Migration Policy to the Guyana Parliament.
In this context, it is reasonable for the public to ask: what is the status of Guyana’s Migration Policy, and why has progress been so limited? Can the Honourable Ministers Todd and Teixeira provide the nation with a clear update on this matter and outline a realistic timeline for completion?
Guyana can ill afford continued delay on an issue that directly affects national security, social cohesion, and long-term development.