The Jamaican government has announced that two of three Jamaican citizens deported by the United States to Eswatini have refused offers to return to Jamaica. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported difficulties in reaching the third individual.
The Ministry confirmed the men were informed of the consular help and readiness for their return. “During the discussion, the men were advised of the consular assistance available to them and of the government’s readiness to facilitate their return to Jamaica,” stated the Ministry. Despite this, both individuals decided against repatriation, as the government could not clarify their immigration status in the U.S. or ensure their return there.
Officials established communication with the men through the Jamaican Consulate in Miami and a legal adviser. The men remain unidentified. Jamaica’s approach included diplomatic engagement with U.S. authorities in Washington and formal communication with Eswatini through Jamaica’s diplomatic presence in Pretoria, South Africa.
The increasing practice of the U.S. deporting individuals to third countries like Eswatini has faced significant criticism from legal and human rights organizations. Eswatini, a small monarchy near South Africa with a king who exercises absolute power, has been under scrutiny for suppressing pro-democracy efforts.
The first case under this deportation program involved Orville Etoria, a Jamaican national sent to Eswatini who was eventually repatriated to Jamaica last September. Etoria’s legal representatives claimed that his deportation in July 2025 was unlawful and reported that he and others were repeatedly denied legal visits. His return was facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
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