Dominica’s political landscape is embroiled in a contentious debate over a clandestine immigration agreement with the United States. Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the United Workers’ Party (UWP), has publicly challenged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to disclose the complete details of a pact permitting third-country refugees from the U.S. to be relocated to Dominica.
The controversy emerged following the Prime Minister’s revelation during a press conference that this arrangement was negotiated as part of discussions subsequent to the December 16, 2025 proclamation that imposed partial visa restrictions. Dr. Fontaine criticized the government’s lack of transparency, emphasizing that the Dominican public learned about this significant agreement through indirect channels rather than official communication.
According to opposition research, approximately fourteen nations including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Antigua & Barbuda, Ghana, Poland, and Uganda have entered similar deportation acceptance agreements, typically involving financial compensation or specialized diplomatic terms. The UWP leader highlighted critical unanswered questions regarding the number of expected individuals, their national origins, security backgrounds, housing arrangements, and social support infrastructure.
In response, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a detailed statement characterizing the arrangement as non-binding and containing comprehensive safeguards for Dominican interests. The negotiated terms provide Dominica with absolute discretion to accept or reject proposals, refuse individuals based on criminal history, receive advance disclosure of medical and criminal records, and terminate participation through diplomatic notice at any time.
The government emphasized that all accepted persons would receive treatment in accordance with Dominica’s Constitution, domestic legislation, and international obligations including the Refugee Convention and Convention against Torture. Final operating procedures currently in development will specify documentation requirements from U.S. authorities and outline any support provisions from the American government.
The administration maintains that all decisions will prioritize national security, public welfare, capacity limitations, international law compliance, and the preservation of constructive bilateral relations with the United States.