October 13, 2026

First batch of Third Country Nationals arrives in Jamaica

The first batch of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) has arrived in Jamaica.

A Government source revealed that 22 people have arrived in the country.

The update follows yesterday’s announcement by the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs that the batch was to arrive shortly.

The TCNs are being brought here under an agreement between Jamaica and the United States.

Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson has criticised the announcement demanding that the government fully and immediately disclose the Third Country Nationals arrangement with the United States.

However, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the United States Government has not agreed to make its Third Country National (TCN) agreement with Jamaica public.

She said while other countries have had their agreements made public, the U.S. has not done so for Jamaica, not because of anything prejudicial.

She explained that the Government has made every effort to negotiate the agreement with protection of the Jamaican people in mind, as well as in accordance with the principles of safe and orderly migration which are consistent with domestic and international law.