THIRD COUNTRY NATIONAL ARRANGEMENT (TCNA) BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica provides additional information regarding the Third Country National Arrangement (TCNA) which has been agreed upon and is currently being finalised between the Governments of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the United States of America. The Government of the United States, acting through its Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, formally proposed an arrangement under which the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica would receive at its sole discretion, third country nationals under removal from the United States.
The negotiated arrangement contains comprehensive and explicit protection for Dominica and is non-binding. It provides for:
- Full discretion for the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to accept or decline any proposal, in whole or in part.
- The right of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to decline any individual on the basis of criminal history.
- Advance disclosure by the Government of the United States of medical and /or criminal records where applicable, to the extent permitted by law.
- The right of either party to discontinue participation at any time through written notice via diplomatic exchange.
- Assurance that any person accepted would be treated in accordance with Dominica’s Constitution, domestic laws, immigration policies and international obligations, including the Refugee Convention and Convention against Torture as well as other such Conventions and treaties to which the Commonwealth of Dominica is a State party.
Detailed operating procedures to guide the implementation and monitor the arrangement are in the final stages of drafting. These procedures are expected to specify:
- documentation to be provided by the Government of the United States of America for each national proposed for transfer; and
- any support by the Government of the United States of America
Any decision to accept third country nationals will be guided by the security and wellbeing of the Dominican people; capacity considerations for housing, social services and public order; full respect for international law and human rights; and the broader objective of maintaining constructive bilateral relations with the United States of America. At all times, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is approaching this matter with prudence and a clear focus on national interest.
Both Governments will continue discussions to ensure that all arrangements are in alignment with Dominica’s laws, values and national priorities. The Government remains committed to protecting the interest of the Commonwealth of Dominica throughout this arrangement and to maintaining open dialogue and responsible diplomacy.
