Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed that all five Colombian nationals deported by the United States under a third-country nationals programme have returned to Colombia. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Skerrit stated that the island nation has concluded its current arrangements regarding the migration initiative, leaving the country with no third-country nationals remaining on the ground.
According to the Prime Minister, Dominica initially rejected a first list of names submitted by Washington due to insufficient background information. A subsequent second list was provided containing the required details, from which local authorities selected five Colombian individuals. Skerrit noted that none of the five had criminal records, describing them simply as individuals who sought a better life in the United States before encountering difficulties.
While on the island, the five deportees were accommodated in a hotel, provided with meals, and given access to various services, including barbering and local shopping. Skerrit explained that the government offered them the option to return to their home country, and all five willingly chose to do so. The entire process moved swiftly, according to the administration.
Financing for the accommodation and care of the individuals was provided through funds supplied by the United States government. Additionally, Dominica has engaged the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to manage the administrative aspects of the arrangement on its behalf. Under the framework of the agreement, Dominica has agreed to consider accepting small cohorts of between five and seven individuals on a quarterly basis.
