Gov’t advancing migration policy to balance workforce demand, national interest – VP Jagdeo
Given Guyana’s rapid pace of development, the government is actively advancing a comprehensive migration policy to address the country’s growing demand for skilled and unskilled labour, while safeguarding national interests.
This was confirmed by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) news conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown.
One of the things being considered, he said, is establishing clear laws to govern the rights and responsibilities of migrants living and working in Guyana. But this will further be discussed during the constitutional reform process, which the government has committed to.
According to Jagdeo, the undertaking forms part of the administration’s long-term strategy to manage rapid economic expansion, especially as major infrastructural, industrial, and energy projects continue to strain the country’s workforce.
“We want people to come and work because we need that … like on construction sites where we have shortages …but they can’t change the nature of our society,” he explained.
This approach, he noted, is not unique to Guyana. Other countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have similar policies in place.
Among the measures under consideration is the granting of residency status without voting rights. This would enable migrants to live and work legally in Guyana while ensuring that political participation remains the right of Guyanese citizens.
“We’ve made it clear that we would have to think about people who come here and maybe they can have residency but not voting rights,” the vice president added.
The electronic identification (E-ID) system is also part of this broader policy framework, which is expected to come onstream this year. When operational, the system will allow the government to better monitor and manage the Guyanese and foreign population.
This system will capture detailed information on Guyanese and non-nationals and is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in migration management.
“To remit money to another country… you’d need that card. So, we’ll know everyone who is here in Guyana, who is non-Guyanese, and we’ll have all of their details,” he explained.
Approximately 4,000 cameras will also be installed to improve monitoring and ensure accountability, complementing the E-ID initiative.
“Once we put in the biometrics there, they can identify anyone anywhere in the country at any time, so we can keep our country safe,” Jagdeo stated.
In previous conferences, VP Jagdeo had emphasised that while locals will continue to receive first preference for available jobs, the country’s economic trajectory will eventually require the importation of labour.
With the country’s rapid development expected to accelerate in the coming years, the policy is seen as a proactive step towards ensuring that economic growth is matched by effective governance, social stability, and responsible migration management.
In the lead-up to the general and regional elections, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali revealed the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing foreign laws and policies to help craft a modern legislative framework for importing labour to support Guyana’s development.
