Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon outlines limits of Jamaica-US third-country nationals transit deal

Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon has sought to calm public concern over Jamaica's memorandum of understanding with the United States on a third-country nationals programme, stressing that the arrangement is narrow, transparent, and distinct from separate talks on skilled labour migration.

Addressing questions in a ministerial update, Dixon said many Jamaicans were understandably alarmed when early reports tied the deal to a figure of 10,000 people. She said the government has always acted in Jamaica's interest and noted that Washington is negotiating similar transit agreements with numerous partners, several of which are already in operation.

Under the programme, people who recently crossed the United States border and are being returned to their home countries may pass through Jamaica on a short-term basis. Dixon put capacity at 25 individuals at any one time, up to twice per month, solely for transit onward—not for long-term employment. The MOU provides that if more than 10 people apply for asylum while in Jamaica, the programme ends. Persons with criminal antecedents are excluded.

Deputy Prime Minister and Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has already addressed much of the controversy through a press release and parliamentary statements. Dixon said she was offering further detail from the government's information portfolio so citizens understand cabinet's discussions. She confirmed the MOU will be made public within days, adding that Chang's statement already captures its core terms. Operational issues, including housing, remain under negotiation.

Dixon responded to reports of conflicting accounts over who opened talks. She said the third-country nationals framework is a United States initiative. A separate discussion involving Minister Marks had explored bringing skilled workers such as nurses and doctors from the Philippines, Ghana and Nigeria, and opportunities for Jamaican hotel workers in the US. Those matters were conflated in early reporting but were later clarified with Washington, and negotiations have since focused only on transit.

She distinguished the arrangement from Jamaica's ended programme for Cuban medical professionals, which she described as successful until labour-law compliance issues arose. The government still wants Cuban doctors and nurses to return in significant numbers.

The International Organization for Migration will monitor compliance with international law during transit. Dixon said several operational details still need to be finalised before full rollout, with further updates to follow.