Jagdeo: National debate needed on migrants’ rights, residency and voting

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has emphasised that while the government welcomes migrants who come to work, they should not be allowed to alter the nature of Guyanese society.

Speaking during his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo also underscored the need for national debates on the rights of migrants, particularly regarding residency and voting.

He explained that the government is actively engaged in discussions and implementing strategies to strengthen migration policy and ensure national security.

“We’ve already started putting together the project that is being put together right now that will register every migrant, but also every citizen, and we’ll have their biometrics. Every person in Guyana will have a card – their facial recognition, everything on it,” he stated.

According to Dr Jagdeo, the government will closely monitor the system to maintain awareness of both citizens and non-citizens, noting that the card will be essential to daily life in Guyana.

“If you don’t have that card, it’s hard to survive in this country. You can’t be working, because people who employ you will face serious penalties when they check their workers and they don’t have that card. To open a bank account, you will need a card, to remit money you will need that card. So we’ll know everyone who is here in Guyana who is non-Guyanese,” he explained.

Dr Jagdeo further disclosed that, with advancements in technology, the government plans to install 4,000 facial recognition cameras to enhance identification and monitoring capabilities.

He added that new legislation will be introduced to define the rights of migrants residing in Guyana, while reiterating that their integration should not compromise the country’s cultural and social identity.