St. Kitts and Nevis to accept deportees from US under new agreement

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced that St. Kitts and Nevis has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States concerning the repatriation of certain migrants.

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The agreement allows the transfer of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals currently in the U.S., while specifically excluding Haitian citizens and individuals with violent or sexual criminal records. Under the MOU, the Federation retains full discretion to accept or reject any proposed transfers based on its own assessments.

During a ‘Roundtable’ session with reporters, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the strategic nature of the agreement, highlighting that the U.S. will cover all financial costs related to the logistics and implementation of the program.

“So, St. Kitts and Nevis has negotiated and entered into a memorandum of understanding with the United States of America for the potential transfer of certain third-country nationals. I want us to listen carefully—this applies only to citizens or nationals of the Caribbean Community. This does not involve anybody outside of CARICOM,” Dr. Drew said.

The announcement comes as several Caribbean nations, including Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, confirmed similar agreements, reflecting broader regional adjustments in immigration policy following the change in the U.S. presidential administration and its stricter deportation enforcement. Guyana is also reportedly considering a similar arrangement.

Prime Minister Drew stressed that St. Kitts and Nevis approached the discussions proactively, prioritizing national security while maintaining CARICOM principles. “It does not necessarily infringe on anything. The cost will be borne by the country that requests us, and we have the option to determine if this is the right fit based on the scenario. These CARICOM nationals must be without violent or sexual criminal backgrounds,” he added.

The MOU outlines the development of operational procedures, including capacity-based limits and logistical arrangements. While specifics are still being finalized, Dr. Drew emphasized that the agreement strengthens bilateral relations with the U.S. and reinforces the Federation’s commitment to regional cooperation.

“St. Kitts and Nevis, of course, was approached by the United States as other CARICOM countries, and we took a very proactive approach sitting with the Americans to reach an arrangement that is in keeping with our principles,” the Prime Minister said.

The initiative reflects shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement, where the current administration has intensified deportations, including for minor infractions such as visa overstays and traffic violations.