Two Jamaicans in Eswatini decline government offer to return home

Two of the three Jamaicans sent to the Kingdom of Eswatini under the United States’ controversial third-country deportation programme have indicated that they do not want to return to Jamaica at this time, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The ministry said it established contact with the two men following an initial telephone call from one of them and his attorney. During subsequent discussions, government representatives informed both Jamaicans that assistance was available to facilitate their return home.

Despite that offer, the two men maintained that they did not wish to go back to Jamaica at present. The ministry did not disclose their reasons for declining the assistance.

Officials also said they were unable to establish the men’s immigration status while they were in the United States. The three Jamaicans were transferred to Eswatini through the US third-country deportation arrangement.

Contact has not yet been made with the third Jamaican. The ministry said efforts to reach him are continuing through Jamaica’s High Commission in South Africa.

The Foreign Ministry used the development to remind Jamaican nationals overseas that consular support remains available when needed. Jamaicans who are experiencing distress abroad, or who otherwise require consular assistance, are being encouraged to contact the Jamaican embassy nearest to them.